AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 11, 2015: Air Canada Boeing 767-375 (ER) takes off from Schiphol Airport / Shutterstock
Air Canada has temporarily suspended service to India after Pakistan announced that it had closed its airspace.
The airline states that two airports are currently affected by the airspace closures, which include both Mumbai (BOM), as well as New Delhi (DEL). Specifically, the airline states that, "Flights may be impacted by airspace closures due to political activity."
The carrier states that service may be affected all day on both Wednesday, February 27 as well as Thursday, February 28.
The airline adds that it has, "revised its ticketing policy for customers booked on affected flights to facilitate changes to bookings."
As a result of the revision, customers who wish to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, using Air Canada's online rebooking tool. In order to do this, travellers must check the alternate travel options that are currently available,and re-book themselves. In addition, they are advised to checkin in before arriving at the airport for their new flight.
Change fees will be waived for the affected flights.
The news comes after Pakistan reported that it had shot down two Indian jets, as well as taken an Indian pilot into Pakistani custody.
There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics: DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor#PakistanArmyZindabad #PakistanAirForceOurPride #PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/NwfKELb2Tv
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) February 27, 2019
The Government of Canada also advises that travellers, "Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to a continuing threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country at all times."
Prior to leaving for the airport, ensure that you check your Flight Status, or call Air Canada's automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533.
Air Canada adds that it continues to closely monitor the situation and will work to get its passengers on board safely and as quickly as possible.
