A major escalation in the decades-long dispute over the territory of Kashmir has seen missiles launched from India into Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, resulting in dozens of deaths. India has stated that the strikes were in retaliation for an April terrorist attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Foreign Office warns that there have been “reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control [the military control line between the two countries]” in response.
On May 7, 2025, the Indian government announced a civil defence mock drill in several states across India. This drill may include temporary power cuts or blackouts, loud air raid sirens, suspension of mobile signals, and traffic diversions. Authorities may also conduct evacuation exercises or hold public announcements.
In India and Indian-administered Kashmir, the Foreign Office currently advises against travelling to specific parts of the country, including:
- All travel within 10km (6.2 miles) of the India-Pakistan border, noting that the Attari-Wagah border crossing is closed.
- All travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the capital city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for travel by air to and from Jammu and within the city and travel within Ladakh.
In Pakistan, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel within five miles of the international border with India, as well as all areas north of Nawabshah in the southern Sindh province, which borders India. It also advises against all travel to within 10 miles of the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Travelling against Foreign Office advice will invalidate many travel insurance policies.
The typical tourist season for British holidaymakers to India is drawing to a close as temperatures reach 40°C in many parts of the country and the monsoon approaches others. Tour operator Jules Verne has stated that its India trips will resume in September. However, trekking season is underway in the Himalayas, with Intrepid Travel offering group trips in India and Pakistan. They have indicated that itineraries including the Atari-Wagah border, currently closed, will be rerouted with alternative activities taking place. However, they do not currently travel to the affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
While many parts of India are unaffected by the current political and military tension, travellers due to visit India imminently should contact their provider for updates. Those currently in India and Pakistan should monitor the situation closely for updates.
Flight disruptions have also been significant. Many flights to, from, and over both countries have been disrupted, with Pakistani airspace temporarily closed and flights from its airports suspended. A limited number of flights have now resumed. British Airways cancelled its flight from Heathrow to Islamabad on May 7, 2025, citing safety and security concerns. BA’s flights to and from India are currently operating as planned, though some, including Air India’s, experienced delays due to airspace restrictions.
Air India has cancelled flights to Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until May 10, 2025, following a notification from aviation authorities regarding the closure of these airports. Flights on Gulf carriers are also affected, with Etihad cancelling flights to and from Islamabad and reporting extended delays for flights to Lahore.
The conflict has also had implications for international aviation. A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow, due in just before 6am on May 7, 2025, arrived almost four hours late after diverting to Doha. The overnight MH2 flight from Kuala Lumpur typically flies over India and central Pakistan but was rerouted due to missile strikes and military activity, resulting in significant delays for subsequent flights.
British Airways flight BA142 from Delhi to London departed over two hours late, arriving three hours late, causing many onward connections to be missed. A BA spokesperson reiterated that safety and security are their highest priorities and that they continuously assess and adjust operations accordingly.
Many flights to Islamabad have diverted, with Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines returning their aircraft to Doha and Istanbul, respectively. Most international flights to Islamabad on May 7, 2025, have been grounded.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Defence has reported that it struck nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan claimed it shot down several Indian fighter jets in retaliation, with two planes reportedly falling onto villages in India-controlled Kashmir. At least seven civilians were killed in the region by Pakistani shelling, according to Indian police and medics.
Missiles reportedly hit six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the eastern Punjab province, killing at least 26 people, including women and children. Another 38 people were injured by the strikes, and five more were killed in Pakistan during exchanges of fire later in the day. India stated that it targeted infrastructure used by militants linked to the massacre of tourists in April.
The Foreign Office has warned against travelling within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border and advised people to stay at least 10 miles away from the Line of Control and the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing airspace for at least 48 hours, resulting in more than two dozen commercial flights being diverted to avoid the area.
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the situation in Kashmir as “hugely worrying” and expressed the UK’s readiness to support both India and Pakistan in de-escalating tensions. He emphasized that both countries have a significant interest in regional stability and dialogue.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the airstrikes and declared that the “deceitful enemy has carried out cowardly attacks,” asserting that Pakistan would respond robustly. He convened a meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss the situation.
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric called for maximum military restraint from both countries, stating that “the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.” Amidst the rising tensions, Indian politicians from various parties have expressed support for the military actions, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proclaiming, “Victory to Mother India.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for those in the region and those planning to travel to stay informed and heed travel advisories.
