Air travel across northern and western India has come to a near standstill following the Indian military's missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor. This operation, executed in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeted nine sites associated with terrorist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and was a direct response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.
In the wake of these strikes, the Indian government issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the closure of 27 airports across northern and western regions until May 10, 2025. This has led to a massive disruption in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled on May 8 alone, amounting to approximately 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights.
Airports affected include Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, and several others across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have suspended operations at these airports, issuing advisories to passengers to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Flightradar24, a flight tracking platform, noted that the skies over the affected regions were largely devoid of civilian aircraft, highlighting the extent of the disruption. The Indian armed forces' actions were described as necessary to deter further cross-border terrorism, marking one of the most extensive military operations against Pakistan in recent years.
On May 8, Air India confirmed the cancellation of all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 5:29 AM on May 10. Passengers affected by these cancellations will receive a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or full refunds for their tickets.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, announced the cancellation of over 165 flights from multiple airports, including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar. Like Air India, IndiGo has offered passengers the option to reschedule their flights or opt for full refunds without incurring additional charges.
SpiceJet also confirmed that flights to and from Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice, advising passengers to plan their journeys accordingly. Akasa Air has similarly suspended all flights to and from Srinagar until May 9, 2025, offering full refunds and rescheduling options for affected travelers.
International airlines have also felt the impact of the airspace restrictions. American Airlines cancelled its Delhi–New York flight, while United Airlines suspended its Newark–Delhi service. Qatar Airways temporarily halted flights to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, further complicating the air travel landscape.
The decision to close these airports and restrict air traffic was made to ensure the safety of passengers and aircrew amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The Indian government justified the strikes as a necessary measure to counteract terrorist threats emanating from across the border.
Indian authorities have emphasized that the operation was measured and aimed at preventing further attacks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the strikes as "proportionate and responsible," aimed at deterring future threats while minimizing civilian casualties.
As the situation continues to develop, airlines are advising passengers to stay informed through their official communication channels. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stated that the closures may be extended depending on the evolving security situation.
With the ongoing military operations and airspace restrictions, travelers are urged to monitor their flight statuses closely, as the repercussions of Operation Sindoor are likely to be felt in the coming days. The impact on air travel underscores the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, raising concerns about safety and security for travelers.
As the situation unfolds, both governments are under pressure to address the heightened tensions and restore normalcy in air travel, which is crucial for both economic activity and public safety. The coming days will be critical in determining how long these disruptions will last and what measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of air travel in this volatile region.
