On May 6, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces initiated Operation Sindoor, a significant military action targeting terror strongholds in Pakistan. Following this operation, a sweeping response led to the temporary closure of 27 airports across northern, western, and central India, affecting over 430 flights and leaving travelers in a state of uncertainty.
The decision to close the airports came amid heightened tensions and security concerns linked to the military operation. As a result, major airports, including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot, Bhuntar, Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj, Gwalior, and Hindon, were shut down until at least May 10, 2025.
Reports indicate that the Indian Government imposed these restrictions to safeguard civilian air traffic in light of the military actions. According to data from Flightradar24, the airspace over Pakistan and the western corridor of India, stretching from Kashmir to Gujarat, was devoid of civilian air traffic as airlines avoided the sensitive region.
Airlines were quick to respond to the developments. Air India announced the cancellation of all flights to and from several affected airports, including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, until noon on May 7. They stated, "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."
Other airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, issued similar advisories, warning passengers of potential disruptions. IndiGo noted that "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 before reaching the airport."
SpiceJet also communicated that "Due to ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status."
In total, the cancellations represented about 3% of the country's scheduled flights. For context, Pakistani carriers also felt the impact, canceling 147 flights, which accounted for 17% of their total scheduled operations.
The situation escalated following the missile strikes carried out by Indian forces on May 7, which targeted nine locations in Pakistan, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold in Bahawalpur and a base of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. This military action was reportedly a response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which had heightened security concerns across the region.
As airlines rerouted their flights to avoid the conflict zone, many international carriers ceased using Pakistani airspace altogether, opting instead to navigate over Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This shift in flight paths illustrates the broader implications of the military operation on regional air travel.
In light of the operational disruptions, Air India Express announced that it would provide full refunds or free rescheduling for flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until May 10. Meanwhile, Akasa Air confirmed that flights to and from Srinagar had been cancelled due to the airport's closure for civil operations.
As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are urged to remain informed and check the status of their flights frequently. The Indian Government's decision to close the airports reflects a cautious approach to ensuring the safety of passengers amid ongoing military operations.
While the immediate future of air travel in the region remains uncertain, the implications of Operation Sindoor and the resulting airport closures underscore the delicate balance between national security and civilian travel. As tensions persist, the aviation industry will likely continue to adapt to the changing landscape, prioritizing passenger safety while navigating the complexities of regional geopolitics.
In summary, the fallout from Operation Sindoor has not only disrupted air travel across India but has also raised questions about the broader impact of military actions on civilian life. With the situation still developing, passengers and airlines alike are left to navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead.
