Airports shut down and revised travel paths to Thailand: the impact of India-Pakistan tension on Russian travelers
Curtailed Airports and Alternative Flight Paths: The Impact of the India-Pakistan Dispute on Russian Tourists
PICTURE: Shutterstock
INDIA CLOSING 32 AIRPORTS: THE LOWDOWN
India has temporarily shuttered 32 airports until May 15. Following 20 initial closures on May 7, more airports have been added to the list, initially slated for reopening on May 10.
Notably, airports often patronized by Russian aviation companies, such as Delhi and Goa, remain unaffected. However, certain airports frequented by Russians during their travels to India as transit hubs or for internal flights may face disruption.
Picturesque spots like Amritsar, Punjab (renowned for the awe-inspiring Golden Temple) and Shimla, a hill retreat in the Himlayas, are included in popular tour packages. Srinagar, Jammu, Leh (Ladakh), Chandigarh, all located in tense Jammu and Kashmir, are preferred for Himalayan escapades, historical sites, religious citadels, and historic forts. These aren't conventional mass tourism hubs, but so far, no Russian tourists have been affected by the airport closures.
Politics The Fairy Godmother reigns over a village, the Chauffeur governs a district: A surprising political fairy tale unfolds Politics. For a comprehensive guide on the airport closures, refer to the appendix below.
ONLINE MAP REVEALS SKYSPACE RESTRICTIONS
Pakistan's skyscape has also been off-limits, with the airspace opening and closing based on the current situation. This has led several airlines, including Russian, to modify their flight paths heading towards Southeast Asian countries and Indian Ocean resorts. These flights still fly, but they bypass the shuttered zone above Pakistan and northwestern India, increasing travel duration.
Aeroflot took immediate action on May 6: "Due to the shutdown of Pakistani airspace, during the time of restrictions, all Aeroflot flights to India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, and back, will traverse alternative routes, seamlessly bypassing the closed zone. Flight duration will extend by an average of 1-2 hours, depending on the route."
Similarly, foreign airlines popular among Russian travelers have adapted their routes, resulting in prolonged flight times between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and India.
Azur Air confirmed that flights from Siberia and the Far East to Vietnam stick to their traditional routes, which are not impacted by the conflict area.
CRITICAL ADVISORY FOR RUSSIAN NATIONALS
The Russian embassies in both India and Pakistan have issued cautionary statements for their citizens. The embassy in Pakistan advises against visiting the nation entirely:
Given the latest India-Pakistan escalation... we suggest that Russian citizens pause their travels to Pakistan until the situation calms down
In India, the only territory under the warning is Jammu and Kashmir:
We suggest that, under normal circumstances, Russian citizens temporarily abstain from visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. We encourage vigilance, staying updated, adhering to official instructions from Indian authorities, and maintaining communication with the Embassy and Consulates General.
Therefore, those intending to visit the serene beaches of Goa, holistic Ayurvedic centers in Kerala, bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai can rest assured, as the disturbances do not affect these areas, and airports remain open.
For a detailed list of all targeted airports, refer to the appendix below:
List of Closed Indian Airports:- Adampur- Ambala- Amritsar- Avaniapur- Bathinda- Bhoj- Bikaner- Chandigarh- Halwara- Hindon- Jaisalmer- Jammu- Jamnagar- Jodhpur- Kandla- Kangra (Gaggal)- Kesod- Kishangarh- Kullu- Manali (Bhuntar)- Leh- Ludhiana- Mundra- Nalia- Pathankot- Patiala- Porbandar- Rajkot (Hirasar)- Sarsawa- Shimla- Srinagar- Taw- Uttarlai.
- Despite India temporarily shutting down 32 airports, popular tourist destinations like Amritsar in Punjab and Shimla in the Himalayas are still included in tour packages.
- Aeroflot, a Russian airline, has adjusted its flight paths to India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, and back, due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, extending flight duration by an average of 1-2 hours.
- The Russian embassy in India has advised against visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir but has not issued a similar warning for popular tourist destinations like Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, or holistic Ayurvedic centers in Kerala.
- In the aviation industry, finance and transportation sectors, the disruptions in airspace due to the India-Pakistan dispute have led to the need for alternative flight paths and increased travel duration for several airlines.
- With the sports industry flourishing in India, the impact of the airport closures does not seem to extend to major sports events, allowing tourists to enjoy various sporting activities in India as planned.
