Dire warning issued to Aussie travellers as conflict escalates

Australians are being urged to reconsider travel to Pakistan and brace for possible flight disruptions to India following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed South Asian nations.

Updated travel advice issued by Smartraveller early Wednesday warns that the “current security situation” between India and Pakistan presents significant risks for travellers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is urging Australians to exercise heightened caution in both countries, with particularly stern warnings about travel to Pakistan.

“We recommend you monitor local media for updates, stay alert, take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities,” the advisory reads.

The alert highlights a “volatile security situation” in Pakistan, recommending that Australians reconsider any plans to travel there. It also notes that Pakistan has closed the Wagah border crossing with India, halting all cross-border travel indefinitely.

“If you have plans to travel to India from Pakistan, reconsider your route and follow the advice of local authorities,” the alert states.

The warning follows a major military incident early Wednesday morning, in which India reportedly fired missiles into Pakistani territory. Islamabad has vowed to retaliate, stoking fears of further escalation between the two rivals.

The latest outbreak of violence stems from an April 22 attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir. The assault, which occurred in the popular mountain destination of Pahalgam, left 26 people dead. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militants responsible, a charge Pakistan has denied.

Flight disruptions are already being reported, and travellers are being advised to confirm flight details with airlines before heading to the airport. “Some airports in India (particularly in the north-west) may close, and airline schedules may be affected,” the DFAT alert warns.

For India, the Australian government maintains a general “exercise a high degree of caution” advisory, but advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir and to the India-Pakistan border region, with the exception of the Atari-Wagah crossing and Manipur. The advisory also urges travellers to reconsider their need to visit Chhattisgarh and India’s border regions.

The renewed tensions are part of a long and often violent history between India and Pakistan, who have fought multiple wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. The latest developments are of particular concern to Australia's large South Asian communities.

With tensions rising and uncertainty mounting, the Australian government is urging all travellers to remain vigilant and informed.

For the latest updates, Australians are encouraged to monitor Smartraveller and official government communications.

Image: ABC News