Air France has yet to resume flying over Pakistani airspace, even as other global carriers have returned to using the route following a decline in cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
Industry insiders suggest the French airline’s decision may stem from lingering security concerns or strategic caution after reports emerged of Pakistani fighter jets allegedly downing Indian Rafale aircraft during a recent escalation.
Major international carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air, have already reverted to their original flight paths over Pakistan. In contrast, Air France continues to divert flights bound for Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore via extended routes, avoiding Pakistan entirely.
Officials from Pakistan’s civil aviation sector confirmed that the airspace has reopened to foreign traffic and that regular operations have resumed for most airlines. However, Air France’s ongoing detour is resulting in longer flight durations and elevated fuel expenses.
Observers say the move may be driven more by policy considerations than logistical constraints, especially since even Indian-bound flights from other countries are now passing through Pakistan as usual. Air France’s persistent deviation invites speculation about whether the airline is exercising extra precaution due to the military climate or adhering to internal strategic directives.
