On the morning of May 7, 2025, India launched a significant military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This decisive action came in response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. Following the strikes, a wave of flight cancellations and airport closures swept across northern India, severely impacting air travel.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Indian Armed Forces initiated Operation Sindoor at 1:44 AM, stating, "A little while ago, the Indian Armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed." This bold move has heightened tensions in the region, prompting various international reactions.
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, multiple airports in northern India ceased civilian operations until further notice. The affected airports include Jammu (IXJ), Leh (IXL), Srinagar (SXR), Dharamshala (DHM), Amritsar (ATQ), Chandigarh (IXC), Bikaner, Jodhpur, and others. Major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet promptly announced cancellations and flight suspensions.
As of Wednesday morning, around 160 domestic flights operated by IndiGo were cancelled, alongside at least 20 flights at Delhi airport. Air India confirmed that all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot were cancelled until 12 noon on May 7, pending updates from authorities. The airline's statement emphasized the need for passengers to stay informed about their flight status.
SpiceJet also issued advisories, indicating that flights to and from Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar were suspended until further notice. The airline urged travelers to check their flight status regularly, as both arrivals and departures were affected, including connecting flights.
In addition to domestic flights, international travel was impacted as well. Two international flights en route to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi due to the ongoing situation. The airspace restrictions led to major airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates, British Airways, Air France, Oman, and Etihad Airways, rerouting their flights to avoid the affected regions and Pakistani airspace.
As the situation unfolded, political leaders in India expressed solidarity with the armed forces. Meanwhile, world leaders called for restraint and de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict.
Passengers affected by the cancellations were offered options by airlines. Air India announced that travelers with valid tickets during the affected period would be eligible for a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. SpiceJet also offered affected passengers the choice of a full refund or alternate flights.
The situation remains fluid, with airlines advising passengers to avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas and to keep abreast of airline updates. The Indian government is expected to provide further information as the situation develops.
Operation Sindoor has garnered significant attention, with over 2 million searches recorded on Google Trends within just eight hours of its announcement. This military action marks a pivotal moment in India-Pakistan relations, reigniting discussions about security, terrorism, and regional stability.
As the day progresses, airlines and authorities are working to manage the fallout from the operation and the subsequent flight disruptions. The hope is that communication and cooperation will prevail, allowing for a return to normalcy in air travel and easing tensions in the region.
In summary, the launch of Operation Sindoor has led to extensive flight cancellations and airport closures across northern India, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and informed as the situation evolves.
