On May 7, 2025, India launched "Operation Sindoor," a coordinated military operation involving the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that occurred two weeks prior, resulting in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. The Indian government described the strikes as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature," aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure that had been used to plan attacks against India.
The air strikes were executed from within Indian territory, utilizing the Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets, which deployed SCALP and HAMMER missiles. The SCALP missile, a long-range air-launched cruise missile, is designed for deep strikes against high-value targets and has a range of over 300 kilometers, with some sources claiming it can reach up to 560 kilometers. In contrast, the HAMMER missile offers medium-range precision targeting capabilities, with a range of up to 70 kilometers, making it versatile for various operational needs.
As the military operation unfolded, significant disruptions to civil aviation were reported. Flight operations from several airports in northern India, particularly those near the border with Pakistan, were heavily impacted. According to IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, no civil flights were being operated to or from the Srinagar airport on May 7. Additionally, airports in Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, and Dharamshala were closed until further notice, affecting numerous travelers.
Air India and SpiceJet also announced a slew of cancellations. Air India reported that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot were canceled until at least noon on the same day. Two international flights bound for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi due to the airspace restrictions.
The situation escalated further as international carriers began rerouting their flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways, among others, adjusted their flight paths, resulting in significant delays and increased operational costs. Flight tracking data revealed that the skies over Pakistan were virtually empty as airlines sought to navigate around the conflict zone, adding hours to some flight durations.
Industry experts estimated that each rerouted long-haul flight could cost airlines between $25,000 and $50,000, depending on the aircraft type and distance. This financial strain comes at a time when the aviation industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating fuel prices.
In response to the unfolding situation, Indian officials briefed several key international partners, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, about the rationale behind Operation Sindoor. The Indian government emphasized that the operation was a necessary step to ensure national security and to retaliate against the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack.
In a statement on social media, the Indian Army declared, "Justice is Served. Jai Hind!" following the successful execution of the strikes. The defense ministry reiterated that these actions were aimed at neutralizing threats posed by terrorist groups operating from across the border.
The immediate aftermath of the operation saw heightened security measures implemented at airports and border zones in northern India, particularly in Rajasthan. The Indian government announced plans for a nationwide civil defense mock drill scheduled for the same day, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
As the aviation industry grapples with the fallout of Operation Sindoor, the interconnectedness of geopolitics and air travel has never been more evident. The disruption of air traffic not only affects travelers but also has significant implications for tourism-dependent businesses across the region.
Travelers flying to popular destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, and London may experience a decline in passenger traffic and hotel bookings as uncertainty looms over the region. The potential for increased travel insurance claims is also on the rise as passengers seek to navigate the complexities of changing flight schedules and cancellations.
This is not the first time that airspace closures have occurred due to military tensions in South Asia. Previous incidents have prompted international aviation organizations to consider risk mitigation protocols and cross-border contingency planning to ensure the safety of civilian air travel.
As the situation continues to develop, airlines are focused on ensuring the safety of passengers and crew while minimizing disruptions. However, if tensions persist or escalate, further flight suspensions and airspace restrictions may be necessary, leading to additional complications for the aviation industry.
For now, the world watches closely as India and Pakistan navigate this critical juncture, with the skies over South Asia reflecting the broader geopolitical landscape.
