In light of escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, civil flight operations at 32 airports across northern and western India have been suspended until 05:29 IST on May 15, 2025, under directives issued as part of Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the temporary shutdown citing operational reasons, and issued multiple NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Key airports impacted include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Rajkot, Bikaner, Ludhiana, Shimla, and Dharamsala, among others. These closures are expected to have a significant impact on domestic air travel in the region.
All civil flights will remain suspended at the following airports:
Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
These closures are part of an ongoing high-alert strategy as tensions across the border continue. The government has confirmed that drone usage, long-range attacks, and psychological operations are part of the current security scenario.
Several major airlines have released statements on the situation:
Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot until May 15 and is offering one-time waivers on rescheduling or full refunds for passengers affected.
IndiGo has suspended services at Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh through the same date.
SpiceJet has halted operations at Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, Amritsar, and Porbandar, offering support via its 24/7 helpline.
Air India Express has not issued a fresh update since an earlier advisory, which cancelled flights to Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until May 10. Defence personnel can avail waivers and refunds until June 30.
Airlines are also urging passengers across India to arrive at least three hours before flight departure as per a Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) directive. Security protocols have been tightened, including Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers, and visitor entry to airport terminals is suspended.
Carriers like Akasa Air and SpiceJet have echoed similar travel advisories, recommending limited hand baggage and proper identification for seamless boarding.
