Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its Smartraveller advice. The alert follows India’s missile strikes inside Pakistani territory early Wednesday morning. The incident has intensified hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Smartraveller now warns Australians to reconsider travel plans to both countries.
Indian missiles struck five locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistani military sources confirmed the targets as Ahmadpur East and Muridke in Punjab province. The strikes also hit Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Initial reports said one child died and two people were injured. The death toll has now reached eight.
Figure 1: Australians urged to reconsider their travel to India and Pakistan
Australians Warned Against Travel to Pakistan
The Smartraveller website recommends Australians reconsider travel to Pakistan due to the volatile security situation. DFAT classifies several areas in Pakistan as “do not travel” zones. These include parts of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and border regions with Afghanistan and India.
The alert states, “We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan overall. Higher levels apply in some areas.” DFAT further warned, “Avoid large groups of people, demonstrations, and protests, as they can turn violent quickly.”
Pakistan closed the Wagah border crossing until further notice. All cross-border travel between India and Pakistan is suspended. Smartraveller advised Australians, “If you have plans to travel to India from Pakistan, reconsider your route and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Flight Disruptions and Airport Closures Reported
Flight disruptions are affecting northern India and may continue. Indian airlines cancelled flights to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Airlines also suspended flights to Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala. Airports in these cities remain closed until further notice.
Many flights impacted in North India. pic.twitter.com/EaOkSpkPI5
— Neeta Sharma (@NEETAS11) May 7, 2025
Smartraveller’s update states, “There may be flight disruptions due to airspace and airport closures. Check with your airline before arriving at the airport.”
The Smartraveller website advises Australians in India to stay alert. Travellers should monitor local media and follow official advice. It warns, “The security situation remains unpredictable.”
Caution Urged for Travel to India
Australians planning to travel to India are urged to exercise a high degree of caution. DFAT has issued strict “do not travel” warnings for Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and Manipur.
A separate alert advises Australians to reconsider travel to the Atari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh, and surrounding border areas. The update states, “Some airports in India (particularly in the north-west) may close, and airline schedules may be affected.”
Diplomatic Fallout and Historical Context
Hostilities follow an attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir on 22 April. The attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers. Pakistan denied the accusation and rejected India’s claim.
India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars since their independence in 1947. The disputed Kashmir region remains a longstanding source of conflict. Military action across the Line of Control frequently heightens tensions between the two nations.
Also Read: India Launches Operation Sindoor: Precision Strikes Target Terror Camps in Pakistan
Impact on the Australian Diaspora
According to the National Library of Australia, 750,000 Indian-born migrants live in Australia. They form the second-largest migrant group in the country. The Department of Home Affairs recorded 120,440 Pakistani-born people in Australia by the end of 2023. The Pakistani community ranks as the twelfth-largest migrant group in Australia.
These numbers highlight the strong personal and travel ties between Australia and both South Asian nations. Rising tensions may affect families, businesses, and community events.
Government Urges Caution and Monitoring
The updated Smartraveller alert recommends constant vigilance. Australians should monitor developments closely. The advice reads, “We recommend you monitor local media for updates, stay alert, take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.”
DFAT’s warning stresses the unpredictability of the situation. Changes in security conditions may occur without warning. Australian citizens in either country should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid unnecessary travel.
Continued Monitoring and Precautionary Measures
Smartraveller continues to assess the situation. The government may revise travel advice based on evolving developments. Australians planning travel to India or Pakistan should check Smartraveller for the latest information.
The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan underscores the importance of preparation and informed decisions. Travel disruptions, security risks, and diplomatic strain are likely to persist in the short term.
