Starting on September 7 and continuing on 8, 2025, both India and Pakistan faced significant travel disruptions as Akasa Air and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended over twenty flights. These cancellations impacted key airports and cities across both nations, including Chennai, Port Blair, Delhi, Ayodhya, Siliguri, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Mumbai, Islamabad, Gilgit, Sukkur and Karachi. According to FlightAware data, total of 26 flights were cancelled and 19 were delayed, stranding passengers all over the country. These cancellations and delays created considerable inconvenience for passengers, especially as key routes connecting major hubs were disrupted. The flight suspensions could significantly impacted tourism and business travel, particularly in cities known for their tourist attractions. This article breaks down the affected flights, routes and airports, exploring the overall impact of these disruptions on travel and tourism.

Breakdown of the Affected Flights

Akasa Air

Sunday Cancellations:
Akasa Air experienced a total of 11 flight cancellations on Sunday, which affected key domestic routes. The impacted flights operated on the B38M aircraft, primarily between major airports such as Chennai International (MAA), Bengaluru International (BLR) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (AMD). These cancellations affected both morning and evening departures, causing significant disruptions for passengers. Affected flights included routes between Chennai and Port Blair, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, Bagdogra and Ahmedabad.

Monday Cancellations:
On Monday, 5 flights were cancelled, continuing the trend of disruption. These flights included routes from Chennai to Port Blair, Bengaluru to Ahmedabad and Delhi to Ayodhya. The cancellations on Monday were spread across morning and early afternoon departures, such as the 5:10 AM and 7:50 AM flights and the 10:50 PM evening flight. These cancellations affected major travel hubs including Delhi and Chennai, adding to the inconvenience for passengers who had to adjust their travel plans for the second day in a row.

Pakistan International Airlines

Sunday Cancellations:
On Sunday, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) experienced 6 flight cancellations. These cancellations affected routes primarily operated by ATR aircraft, connecting major domestic destinations. Flights were cancelled on routes between Islamabad (ISB) and Gilgit (GIL), Islamabad (ISB) and Sukkur (SKZ), as well as between Sukkur (SKZ) and Jinnah International (KHI). Flights such as PIA603, PIA604 and PIA631 were among those affected, with scheduled departures throughout the day, from early morning to late evening.

Monday Cancellations:
On Monday, 4 flights were cancelled, continuing the disruption of travel on the same key domestic routes. The affected flights were on the Islamabad-Gilgit and Gilgit-Islamabad routes, with flights such as PIA601 and PIA602 being impacted. These cancellations included repeated services from the previous day, affecting passengers travelling between Islamabad and Gilgit. These cancellations, particularly in the morning and early afternoon, further disrupted travel plans for passengers on these crucial domestic flights.

Affected Routes

The cancellations and delays affected a wide range of popular domestic routes. In India, the most impacted sectors were:

• Chennai to Port Blair
• Bengaluru to Ahmedabad
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (Ahmedabad) to Bagdogra
• Chennai to Mumbai
• Bengaluru to Ahmedabad

On the Pakistani side, PIA’s affected routes included:

• Islamabad to Gilgit
• Gilgit to Islamabad
• Islamabad to Sukkur
• Sukkur to Islamabad
• Sukkur to Karachi

These routes were critical for both the movement of business travellers and tourists alike, the cancellations have caused considerable disruption, especially given the popularity of these routes for both local and regional travel.

Delays

In addition to the cancellations, both Akasa Air and PIA also experienced delays on several flights. Akasa Air reported 7 delays, which accounted for 3% of their total scheduled flights. Meanwhile, PIA saw 12 delays, translating to a higher delay percentage of 16%. The compounded effect of cancellations and delays disrupted the flow of travel for many passengers. These delays, especially on key domestic routes, contributed to the challenges faced by travellers, forcing them to reconsider their plans and seek alternate travel arrangements.

Affected Airports

The disruptions have primarily impacted major airports across India and Pakistan. In India, airports such as Chennai International (MAA), Bengaluru International (BLR), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (AMD) and Bagdogra (IXB) were among those affected. On the other hand, in Pakistan, Islamabad International (ISB), Gilgit (GIL), Sukkur (SKZ) and Jinnah International (KHI) faced the brunt of the cancellations and delays. These airports are crucial hubs for domestic travel and serve both business and tourism sectors. The suspensions at these airports have disrupted not only passenger schedules but also the efficiency of operations at these key travel hubs.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

Tourism is one of the sectors likely to be most affected by these flight disruptions. The cities impacted by the cancellations and delays—such as Port Blair, Ayodhya, Siliguri, Gilgit and Sukkur—are known for their tourism appeal. The disruption in air travel can severely affect the flow of tourists to these destinations, especially since many of these cities rely on air travel as the primary means of reaching their tourist attractions.

For example, Port Blair, which is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, saw several cancellations. Similarly, Ayodhya, with its religious significance, could also face a downturn in tourist footfall. Cities like Gilgit and Sukkur, with their scenic beauty and historical significance, also rely on air travel for tourism and the current disruptions could result in fewer tourists visiting these destinations. This could, in turn, impact local businesses, hotels and tour operators who rely on the consistent arrival of travellers to maintain their operations.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by these disruptions, there are a few important steps they can take. The first recommendation is to contact the airline as soon as possible for rebooking options. Both Akasa Air and PIA are expected to offer rebooking services for affected passengers, though availability may depend on seat availability on alternative flights. Many airlines also offer compensation, including meal vouchers or hotel accommodations, in case of significant delays.

For passengers who need to make urgent travel arrangements, alternate routes and airlines should be considered. While cancellations and delays on certain routes have disrupted travel plans, alternative routes may still be available through other carriers. Additionally, travel insurance can be a helpful tool for passengers looking to mitigate the financial impact of cancellations or delays.

Passengers are also advised to stay updated on the status of their flights by checking the airlines’ official websites, mobile apps, or airport notifications. Real-time information will help travellers avoid unnecessary wait times at the airport and plan their next steps accordingly.

In conclusion, the disruptions caused by Akasa Air and PIA’s flight cancellations have significantly affected travel across key routes in India and Pakistan. Based on FlightAware data, the impact on both passenger schedules and local tourism is evident. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed and adjust plans accordingly during this period of disruption.

The post India, Pakistan Experience New Travel Disruptions as Akasa Air and PIA Suspends over Twenty Flights Across Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Islamabad, karachi and more, Here is the Update appeared first on Travel and Tour World