In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, both nations have closed multiple airports and cancelled hundreds of flights following a series of military strikes and retaliatory actions. On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people on April 22. In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace for commercial flights at Lahore and Islamabad airports, while India shut down 27 airports across its northern and western regions.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the closure late Wednesday night, stating, "The country's airspace is closed for all commercial flights at Lahore and Islamabad airports." Karachi's airport remains operational, but the airspace over Pakistan has become a no-fly zone for many airlines. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 indicated that numerous flights were rerouted or turned back as a precaution against the escalating military tensions.
In a televised address, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to retaliate against India's actions, stating, "For the blatant mistake that India made last night, it will now have to pay the price." He emphasized the resilience of the Pakistani people, asserting, "this is a nation of brave people." Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif assured that any retaliatory strikes would target Indian military installations, avoiding civilian areas.
India, in turn, has prepared for possible retaliation from Pakistan. The Indian government briefed foreign envoys, asserting that if Pakistan responds, India will respond in kind. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the strikes were intended to preempt further attacks against India, emphasizing the necessity of the operation.
Following India's military actions, 27 airports in India have been shut for commercial flights, with over 400 flights cancelled as a direct result. Airports in Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and several others are among those affected. Reports indicate that these closures will remain in effect until at least May 10, 2025, as authorities assess the security situation.
Flight cancellations have been significant, with IndiGo, India's largest airline, reporting the cancellation of over 165 flights, which constitutes approximately 7% of its daily operations. Air India also announced the cancellation of numerous flights, including international services to Amritsar from Birmingham and Gatwick, which were diverted to Delhi.
Security measures have been heightened across India, with reports indicating that the Indian military is on high alert. The country's multi-layered air defense network has been activated, and naval forces have been deployed in the Arabian Sea as part of the heightened state of readiness. The Indian Air Force is conducting air patrols and coordinating closely with the Strategic Forces Command, which oversees the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
As tensions continue to rise, the airspace over both India and Pakistan remains largely devoid of civilian flights. Airlines are taking precautionary measures, avoiding the sensitive regions altogether. FlightRadar24 reported that many international carriers have altered their flight paths drastically, leading to longer travel times and logistical challenges.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations bracing for potential further military actions. As of now, the closure of airports and the cancellation of flights are expected to cause significant disruption for travelers, with many left stranded or unable to reach their destinations.
In summary, the military escalation between India and Pakistan has led to widespread airport closures and flight cancellations across both countries. As diplomatic tensions mount, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities.
