After the recent deadly terrorist attack on Indian tourists in a Kashmir conflict near the disputed India-Pakistan border, India has retaliated with airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered areas of Kashmir, forcing flight cancellations and diversions to Indian-administered Kashmir and border states such as Rajasthan and Punjab.
Pakistan has reported that three locations were attacked early on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, resulting in the death of eight people with at least 35 others injured. Three Indian civilians have also been killed in military action by Pakistani troops in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The escalation follows the closure of the only land border between the two nuclear-armed nations after 20 tourists were killed in Pahalgam, a popular Himalayan tourist spot, on 22 April 2025 by the Kashmir Resistance militant group.
Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack.
India has since tested missiles and exchanged fire on the India-Pakistan border in the ongoing Kashmir conflict, as both countries claim ownership of the state.
Today’s airstrikes have resulted in the cancellation of domestic flights to Indian-administered Kashmir and to some cities in border states, such as Rajasthan and Punjab, by Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet.
Air India also diverted two international flights en route to Amritsar in Punjab state to the Indian capital, Delhi, due to the escalating Kashmir conflict.
Impact to touring in India and Pakistan amid Kashmir conflict
While Intrepid Travel runs tours in India and Pakistan, Managing Director ANZ Brett Mitchell assured travel advisors and travellers that it does not operate in the affected areas of Kashmir and none of its trips have been impacted.
He said the B Corp continues to see strong bookings for the region and would continue to monitor the unfolding Kashmir conflict situation.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the local communities impacted by these events,” he said.
“Intrepid does not operate in the affected areas of Kashmir and none of our trips or travellers have been impacted. Our local teams are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
“Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local communities and economies across both India and Pakistan and we are hopeful for a peaceful resolution.
“While we understand some travellers may feel uncertain, we continue to experience strong bookings and confidence in the region. As always, our focus is on travelling responsibly and putting the safety of our customers and local teams first.”
The Australian Government continues to advise Aussie travellers to avoid the Kashmir conflict area with a “do not travel” warning in place for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the danger of armed clashes, terrorist activities and violent demonstrations.
For more info, visit smartraveller.gov.au
