Indo-Pak conflict cancels flights: Does travel insurance cover costs?

As geopolitical tensions rise, travellers wonder if their insurance will cover flight cancellations if airports shut down due to conflict. Here's what you need to know about travel insurance.

During India's Operation Sindoor, over 300,000 flight tickets were cancelled between May 7 and May 12, aviation industry sources told Business Standard. This is a common practice during such conflicts across the world.

 

Force majeure? 

But what happens to the fliers’ money in such a scenario? Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations if airports shut down due to conflict?

 

The answer is not that straightforward.

 

Standard policies often exclude war-like situations

 

“Flight cancellations caused by operational issues or sudden airport closures are generally covered under standard travel insurance policies,” says Sameer Mathur, MD and founder, Roinet Solution.

 

 

“However, if the disruption is due to an officially declared war, that falls under exclusions,” he said.

 

Insurers typically classify events like war, terrorism, or civil unrest under “force majeure” or “exclusions,” meaning claims under such circumstances may be denied.

 

“Most standard travel insurance policies clearly state that losses due to geopolitical conflicts, such as war or terrorism, are not covered,” adds Manish Kumar Goyal, CMD, Finkeda.

 

“Travellers must read the fine print carefully,” Goyal said. 

 

 

Special add-ons could offer some relief

 

While base policies may fall short, some specialised products offer limited protection.

 

“There are add-ons like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) that allow partial refunds even in such situations, but they must be purchased early and come at an extra cost,” Goyal explains.

 

Key features of CFAR coverage:

 

• Must be purchased within a set window after booking travel 
• Costs more than regular insurance 
• Allows trip cancellation for almost any reason 
• Reimburses a portion (typically 50–75 per cent) of non-refundable expenses

 

However, Mathur clarifies that in most Indian policies, no standard plans include war-related disruptions, and no add-ons currently cover full cancellation costs due to geopolitical conflict.

 

Filing claims: What travellers should know

 

If you’re caught in such a scenario, it’s vital to document everything.

 

“Travelers should keep tickets, identity proofs, and a cancelled cheque handy to submit claims,” Mathur advises. “Each case is subject to evaluation, but basic documentation is essential.”

 

Bottom Line

 

Travellers must check the policy document thoroughly before purchasing and consider add-ons if travelling to or near conflict-prone regions. In uncertain times, preparation and awareness are the best safeguards.