Bangkok: “Monporn” has directed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to keep a vigilant watch on the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan, which has led to the closure of flight routes affecting Thai-European flights. Concurrently, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has assembled a working group aimed at mitigating the impact on aviation, with participation from the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand.

According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Manoporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, stated that due to the conflict between India and Pakistan, flight routes have been closed, impacting Thailand as flights to Europe typically traverse these nations. Thailand has actively participated in the India-Pakistan Airspace Contingency Coordination Team, which was established by ICAO. This team has convened to discuss cooperative strategies and actions to minimize the aviation sector’s challenges.

Mr. Surachai Nooprom, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Director-General of AOT, noted that the ICA
O Asia Pacific Regional Office has formed the coordination team, including India, Pakistan, affected countries, and neighboring nations providing Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) services. Thailand, as a neighboring ATFM service provider, has been invited by ICAO to join this group, along with international agencies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In recent meetings, representatives from India and Pakistan indicated that air traffic management remains manageable, though some routes remain closed for security reasons. IATA representatives reported that airlines are resorting to alternate routes, resulting in extended flight distances and times. They have also requested India to liaise with security sectors to reopen some routes, which is still under consideration. The situation has necessitated route adjustments for Thailand, increasing flight times to Europe. Nonetheless, AOT remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.