Air Astana has announced a series of flight suspensions and schedule adjustments between Almaty and the Indian cities of Delhi and Mumbai due to the closure of airspace between India and Pakistan.
The initial suspension was announced on May 7, followed by a detailed update on May 8 outlining the airline’s operational changes. The conflict, which has escalated with reports of military aircraft being downed, has raised significant concerns for regional air travel safety.
Effective immediately, Air Astana has suspended regular flights KC 907/908 and KC 963/964 on the Almaty–Delhi–Almaty route from May 9 to 18. However, to support stranded passengers, three special repatriation flights will be operated on this route to bring Kazakh citizens and other Air Astana travelers back home.
Meanwhile, flights KC 291/292 on the Almaty–Mumbai–Almaty route will continue to operate three times per week—on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—using longer alternative flight paths. These flights will be conducted with Airbus A320 and Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Affected passengers will be eligible for either a full refund or a complimentary rebooking to alternative travel dates.
“Air Astana continues to closely monitor the situation and will promptly update passengers of any further developments, as the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain the airline’s highest priority,” the airline stated.
The disruption follows military confrontations between India and Pakistan, with CNN reporting that five Indian fighter jets and several drones were reportedly shot down amid the conflict.
In response to the growing tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan earlier issued a statement urging both nations to exercise restraint, act in the interest of regional peace and stability, and prioritize diplomatic dialogue to avoid further escalation.
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