India-Pakistan Tensions Disrupt Air Travel: If you’re planning to fly in or out of North India anytime soon, you may want to double-check the status of your airport. In the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, several airports across key northern states have been temporarily shut down as a security measure.
On Wednesday morning, Indian armed forces executed Operation Sindoor, targeting and eliminating nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This high-stakes military operation has escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, leading to swift actions on the civilian front — particularly in the aviation sector.
27 Airports Shut Down Temporarily
To maintain security and prepare for any retaliatory actions, authorities have suspended operations at at least 27 airports. These closures span across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of the National Capital Region. According to official sources, these airports will remain shut until May 9, 2025, pending further review.
Here’s a complete list of the affected airports:
- Union Territories and Northern States: Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal, Patiala, Bhatinda, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Halwara
- Punjab and Rajasthan: Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer
- Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod
- Madhya Pradesh: Gwalior
- Delhi NCR: Hindon Air Base
Flight Disruptions Nationwide
In addition to the closed airports, over 200 flights have been cancelled due to airspace restrictions. Major airlines — including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air — have either suspended operations or diverted routes to ensure passenger safety.
IndiGo has confirmed the cancellation of over 165 flights, especially from key hubs like Amritsar and Srinagar, with disruptions expected to last through the morning of May 10. Air India has also halted flights to and from cities like Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot.
Delhi Airport Issues Advisory
While Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remains operational, the airport authority has released a public advisory urging travelers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight statuses. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Delhi airport management stated:
“All terminals and runways are functioning normally. However, due to changing airspace dynamics, some flights may experience delays or cancellations.”
International Flights Also Affected
Several international carriers have expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict. Some have preemptively suspended operations to northern India, while others are evaluating airspace safety on a day-to-day basis. Global aviation bodies are closely monitoring the situation and working with Indian civil aviation authorities.
A Nation on Edge
The temporary closures and disruptions have created significant inconvenience for travelers, especially those with urgent travel needs or international connections. Travel agencies have reported a surge in inquiries and cancellation requests, while aviation industry insiders warn that continued tensions could lead to broader economic repercussions for the tourism and business travel sectors.
- As the region remains on high alert, all eyes are on diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. Until then, air travelers are advised to remain patient and stay in close contact with their airlines for real-time updates.
