In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Srinagar Airport has been closed to civilian flights following India's targeted air strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, were executed early on Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
Airlines across northern India, including major carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have issued urgent travel advisories to inform passengers of widespread flight cancellations and delays due to the ongoing situation. IndiGo, for instance, announced on social media, "Due to changing airspace conditions in the region, our flights to and from #Srinagar, #Jammu, #Amritsar, #Leh, #Chandigarh and #Dharamshala are impacted. We request you to check your flight status at https://bit.ly/31paVKQ before reaching the airport."
Air India has suspended all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 12 noon on May 7, pending further guidance from authorities. "In view of the prevailing situation, Air India has cancelled all its flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – till 12 noon on 7 May, pending further updates from authorities," the airline posted.
SpiceJet has also confirmed that several airports in northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, will remain closed until further notice. The airline warned that departures, arrivals, and connecting flights may face significant disruptions, urging passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.
The Airports Authority of India confirmed that no commercial flights would operate from Srinagar Airport on May 7. The situation has also affected international flights, with two flights originally headed for Amritsar being diverted to Delhi. Additionally, Qatar Airways has temporarily halted its flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety.
Operation Sindoor was launched as a precision strike against nine terror camps in Pakistan, including the headquarters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba groups in Muridke. The Indian government has characterized these strikes as a restrained yet necessary response to the recent terror attack, which primarily targeted civilians, including tourists.
Officials have stated that the strikes were executed with careful consideration, emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. A statement from the Defence Ministry noted, "The operations were focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature," aiming to dismantle infrastructure used for planning and executing terrorist activities against India.
In the wake of these developments, security has been heightened across key military and civilian zones in India. Defence officials revealed that all air defense units along the India-Pakistan border have been activated to address any potential retaliatory actions from Pakistan.
International reactions to Operation Sindoor have also surfaced, with US President Donald Trump expressing hope for a swift resolution to the conflict, stating, "I hope it ends very quickly." Meanwhile, Indian officials have briefed international allies, including the US Naval Chief Marco Rubio, about the operations.
The closure of airports and the subsequent flight disruptions are expected to impact thousands of travelers, particularly those heading to the Middle East, as flights will require additional time and resources. Reports indicate that the closure could increase operational costs by approximately Rs 5 lakh per flight.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are urging passengers to stay informed and check with their airlines for real-time updates on their travel plans. The Indian government remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens while addressing the ongoing threat from terrorism.
With tensions running high and the potential for further military action looming, the region braces for what could be a protracted period of instability.
