Long-haul flights from the UK are about to take much longer – here's why

The Sun

07-05-2025

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Published: Invalid Date,
YOUR long-haul flight could soon take even longer due to ongoing airspace closures.
Travellers heading to and from Asia are set to face longer flights due to current conflict between India and Pakistan.
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A number of Asian airlines have announced that they are re-routing or cancelling flights to and from Europe because of the conflict between India and Pakistan.
Following the attack on Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir, five Indian fighter jets were shot down in the worst fighting in more than two decades between the countries.
More than 20 flights have since been diverted to avoid Pakistan airspace, with another 52 to or from Pakistan cancelled, according to FlightRadar24.
This also means flights from India to Europe have been forced to take longer routes, affecting a handful of flights to London Heathrow.
This included a British Airways flight from Delhi to London, which departed over two hours late from the Indian capital this morning.
The flight flew southwest almost to Mumbai before setting a course for London Heathrow and arrived three hours late causing many onward connections to be missed, according to The Independent.
A Lufthansa flight from Dehli to Frankfurt was also noted turning right towards the Arabian Sea near the western Indian city of Surat - a longer path compared to the previous day.
A spokesperson for Dutch airline KLM said it was not flying over Pakistan until further notice.
Air France has also suspended flying over the South Asian country, according to CNN.
Taiwan's EVA Air shared that it will adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid airspace affected by the fighting.
The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying
Thai Airways added that flights to destinations in Europe and South Asia would be rerouted starting early today.
China Airlines commented that flights to and from destinations including London, Frankfurt and Rome had been disrupted, with some cancelled.
Other China Airlines flights have had to make technical stops in Bangkok and Prague to refuel and change crews, before taking longer flight paths.
As a result, flights that were due to fly over the impacted regions could take longer until airlines deem it safe to fly the usual routes again.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
The Foreign Office is currently warning Brits in the region to not travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said: "On the night of 6 May (UK Time), the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control.
"On the night of 6 May (UK Time) Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing Pakistan airspace for at least 48 hours. There are reports of flights being diverted. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information."
It's not the only reason flights are taking longer.
The on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen Russia's airspace closed to many global airlines as well.
The closure has routes to and from Asia taking as much as four hours longer.
For example, British Airways' route from London to Tokyo is now two hours longer, taking around 14 hours rather than the previous 12.
Here are some of the best ways to deal with a delayed flight.
Plus, the EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled.
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