In a dramatic escalation of tensions, over 200 flights have been cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India have been temporarily closed following missile strikes by the Indian armed forces on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," was launched in retaliation for a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.
The strikes, which took place in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeted key strongholds of terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, marking a significant military response in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. In a press conference, government officials stated that the 25-minute operation successfully hit nine terrorist camps across various regions in Pakistan.
In the wake of these military actions, major airports including Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Jamnagar have been closed to civilian air traffic. The closure is expected to remain in effect until 0529 hours IST on May 10, 2025, as authorities prioritize military operations and ensure civilian safety.
Airlines have swiftly responded to the situation, with major carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air announcing widespread flight cancellations. IndiGo alone has cancelled more than 165 flights, while Air India has suspended services to and from several cities, including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar.
"Due to government notification on airspace restrictions, over 165 IndiGo flights from multiple airports... are cancelled until 0529 hrs IST of May 10, 2025," said a spokesperson for IndiGo. Air India also confirmed that flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled until further notice.
Passengers are being advised to stay informed and check their flight status before heading to the airports. Airlines are offering waivers on rescheduling charges or full refunds for affected passengers. Air India Express has stated, "We are offering a full refund or free rescheduling for our flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon until 05:30 hrs on May 10, 2025." Similarly, SpiceJet has urged travelers to plan their journeys accordingly and check for updates.
As a result of the airspace closure, international airlines are also rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Reports indicate that more than 50 international flights have been cancelled that were bound for Pakistan, with foreign carriers like Qatar Airways temporarily suspending their services due to the heightened tensions.
Flight tracking data revealed that the northwestern skies over India were nearly empty of commercial aircraft, with only a few flights remaining visible. This drastic reduction in air traffic illustrates the significant impact of the recent military operations on civilian travel.
In addition to the flight cancellations, regional carrier Star Air has also suspended flights to and from Nanded, Hindon, and Adampur. The Delhi Airport, which is the busiest in the country, has seen at least 35 flights cancelled since midnight, including 23 domestic departures and eight arrivals. Four international departures have also been affected.
As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are advised to monitor social media announcements, emails, and messages from airlines to stay updated on their travel plans. With the ongoing military operations, there remains uncertainty regarding the duration of the airport closures and potential further disruptions.
Experts suggest that the closures may remain in place for more than 24 hours based on past trends observed during similar military escalations. The impact on air travel is substantial, with data indicating that a little over 500 departures will be affected from these airports during the closure period.
Chandigarh Airport is expected to experience the most significant impact, with 123 departures affected, followed by Srinagar with 99 and Amritsar with 90. The situation has understandably left many passengers anxious and confused, especially those who were scheduled to fly during this period.
Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the next steps and to take advantage of the waivers being offered. Airlines are providing options for rescheduling flights or opting for cancellations without penalty, allowing passengers some flexibility amid the chaos.
As tensions between India and Pakistan remain high, the closure of airports and disruption of air travel serves as a stark reminder of the broader geopolitical issues at play. With military operations ongoing, the situation is fluid, and further updates from authorities are expected in the coming days.
In summary, the aftermath of Operation Sindoor has led to significant disruptions in air travel across northern India, affecting hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers. As the situation develops, travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential changes to their travel plans.
