TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A group of Indian tourists were left stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia, on Thursday, May 8, 2026, following flight cancellations triggered by rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
The passengers were intending to fly to Amritsar in Punjab, India. However, due to the flight cancellation, they were forced to rebook to New Delhi, which is approximately 1,500 kilometers from Amritsar.
An 18-year-old teenager, who was visiting Malaysia for the first time, said that their group only found out about the flight cancellations upon arrival at the airport and were instructed to change their flights, according to The Star.
Each of them had to pay RM 1,000 or around Rp 3.8 million.
However, the teenager admitted to not having any money left after a week-long vacation in Malaysia. Eventually, they had to borrow money from a friend.
Flight Cancellations to India and Pakistan
Several Asian airlines have adjusted flight routes or faced delays to India and Pakistan following both countries’ decision to close their airspace.
The closures come after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan-controlled territory early Wednesday, prompting Pakistan to shell Indian-controlled Kashmir, reportedly killing at least three civilians, according to Indian military sources.
Malaysia Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to and from Amritsar after authorities shut down the Amritsar Airport from May 7 to 9.
Batik Air also canceled several flights to and from Lahore and Amritsar, affecting services scheduled for May 7 and 8, 2025.
AirAsia Malaysia similarly announced a temporary suspension of its Amritsar flights between May 7 and 9, stating it is closely monitoring developments and has notified affected passengers.
Several countries have also issued travel warnings to both countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore (MFA) has issued an advisory for its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to specific areas in South Asia due to increased security risks
The advisory, released on May 7, urged Singaporeans currently in those areas to exercise increased vigilance, avoid large gatherings, and follow local authorities' guidance.
The United Kingdom government has advised its citizens not to travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border. The United States has also advised its citizens to avoid travel to Jammu and Kashmir. Similar advisories have been issued by China and Australia.
Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan following last month's deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militant attack.
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