In a significant move affecting air travel in India, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has temporarily suspended civil flight operations at 32 airports across northern and western regions of the country. This decision, which took effect on May 9, 2025, will remain in place until 5:29 AM IST on May 15, 2025. The suspension has been implemented under a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), citing operational reasons related to heightened security concerns amid escalating military tensions with Pakistan.
Among the airports affected are major hubs such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Jodhpur, along with several others including Bathinda, Leh, and Bikaner. The complete 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
- Uttarlai
The AAI's decision to close these airports comes in the wake of increased military activity, particularly following Operation Sindoor, which saw Indian armed forces conduct strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals last month. The situation has led to a heightened state of alert within the aviation sector, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety.
As a result of the airport closures, several airlines have had to cancel flights. Air India announced that its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot will remain suspended until 5:29 AM IST on May 15. The airline is offering affected passengers a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a statement on social media platform X, Air India confirmed, "Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations... are being cancelled until 0529 hrs IST on 15 May."
IndiGo, another major airline, also announced that all flights to and from ten destinations, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Chandigarh, will be cancelled during this period. The airline emphasized that these precautionary measures are in place to prioritize the safety and security of passengers. "These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority," IndiGo stated.
In addition to the airport closures, the AAI has extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs). These routes will remain unavailable to civilian traffic from ground level to unlimited altitude until the same deadline of 5:29 AM IST on May 15, 2025. Airlines and flight operators have been advised to plan alternate routes accordingly.
The ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified, leading to increased scrutiny and security measures within the aviation sector. The AAI's decision to suspend flights and close airports underscores the seriousness of the situation and reflects the broader implications of the conflict on civilian life.
As the situation evolves, further updates are expected from aviation authorities. Passengers are urged to stay informed and check with their airlines for the latest information regarding their travel plans. The AAI has coordinated these restrictions with air traffic control (ATC) units to maintain safety and minimize disruption to air travel.
In light of these developments, travelers should remain vigilant and flexible in their plans. The temporary suspension of flights at these airports not only highlights the ongoing tensions but also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of national security and civilian travel.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the aviation sector remains on high alert, and the implications for air travel are likely to persist beyond the current closure period. Industry experts suggest that passengers may need to adjust their travel itineraries and remain aware of potential disruptions in the coming days.
