Indian tourists stranded in Kuala Lumpur as flights canceled due to Pakistan tensions

By Hoang Vu May 8, 2025 | 06:51 pm PT

Travelers push their trolley past a logo of Malaysia Airports at the departure hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 26, 2013. Photo by Reuters

A group of Indian tourists was stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia on Thursday after their flights were canceled due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The passengers, originally bound for Amritsar in India, were forced to rebook their flights to New Delhi, The Straits Times reported.

An 18-year-old, visiting Malaysia for the first time, said his group only learned about the flight cancellations upon arrival at the airport and was instructed to switch flights, The Star reported.

Each had to pay around RM1,000 (US$231) to change their tickets.

Several Asian airlines have rerouted or suspended flights as the two countries closed their airspace.

India launched missile strikes into Pakistani-controlled areas early Wednesday, killing at least eight people, according to Reuters.

Pakistan shelled Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least three civilians, the Indian army reported.

Tensions have surged between the two nations following last month's deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militant assault.