Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, India has extended the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western regions, halting all civil flight operations until 5:29 AM IST on May 15, 2025. This suspension comes following India's precision strikes on nine terrorist targets in Pakistan as part of "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, which led to retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Pakistan.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) initially announced the closure of 24 airports on May 8, but as tensions escalated, the decision was made to extend the closure to encompass a total of 32 airports. The affected airports include major facilities such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jodhpur, among others. The closure is expected to result in the cancellation of over 400 flights daily, significantly impacting the travel plans of many passengers.
Airlines have responded by issuing advisories regarding flight cancellations and offering refunds or rescheduling options. IndiGo, the largest airline in India, confirmed that all flights to and from affected airports would remain cancelled until the specified reopening time. In a travel advisory, IndiGo stated, "In accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, please be advised that all flights to and from the following destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on 15th May 2025 due to temporary airport closures." Similarly, Air India has announced cancellations for flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, and other affected locations, also providing options for refunds and rescheduling.
The list of closed airports includes: Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai. Many of these airports are located near the India-Pakistan border or are situated at key Indian Air Force bases.
As part of heightened security measures, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented secondary pre-boarding checks for all passengers and flights. Visitors are banned from airport terminals, and the deployment of air marshals has been increased in response to the current threat perception. Furthermore, random checks of passenger baggage and stricter ID checks for staff and passengers are now in effect. Enhanced surveillance of airport ground handling staff and full aircraft security checks have also been mandated.
The closure of these airports and the subsequent flight cancellations have raised concerns among travelers. Many passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure times to accommodate the longer wait times at security checkpoints due to the increased screening procedures. Airlines are encouraging passengers to stay updated through official channels regarding their flight status.
While the situation remains tense, operations at Delhi Airport are continuing normally, although travelers may experience some disruptions. The airport has issued a passenger advisory stating that evolving airspace conditions may lead to longer processing times at security checkpoints. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses through their airlines or the official airport website.
This escalation in tensions follows India's military action in response to an attack on April 22, 2025, by Pakistan-linked terrorists in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The precision strikes carried out under "Operation Sindoor" were intended to neutralize terrorist threats emanating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In light of the ongoing conflict, both nations have ramped up military readiness, with Pakistan reportedly responding to India's strikes with drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military installations. Indian defense systems have successfully intercepted these threats, but the heightened security measures at airports reflect the seriousness of the situation.
As the situation unfolds, the aviation sector is bracing for continued disruptions, with the AAI and relevant authorities closely monitoring developments. The temporary suspension of operations at these airports is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety and security of passengers and aviation personnel.
The impact of these closures extends beyond immediate travel disruptions, as the aviation industry grapples with the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. With over 400 flights cancelled daily, airlines are working diligently to accommodate affected passengers while adhering to safety protocols.
As tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, stakeholders in the aviation industry, including airlines and regulatory authorities, are committed to ensuring the safety of travelers while navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape. The situation is evolving, and updates will continue to be provided as new information becomes available.
