Indian Airports Shut Down:Following targeted strikes by the Indian armed forces on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, commercial flight operations at multiple Indian airports, particularly those near the India-Pakistan border or located at key Indian Air Force bases, have been suspended. The closures, driven by airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns, have significantly disrupted air travel across the country.
25 Airports Closed for Commercial Flights
In response to India’s military operations against Pakistan’s terror infrastructure on Wednesday, 25 airports, primarily in northern India, have been closed for commercial flight operations. The affected airports include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Gwalior, Rajkot, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Dharamshala, Bathinda, Shimla, Hindon, Kishangarh, and Kandla. Most of these airports are situated on defense airfields, with some handling only a limited number of commercial flights daily.
The closures are expected to last until 05:30 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, though these airports will remain fully operational for defense-related flights. According to data from flight tracking service Flightradar24, as of 4 PM IST on Wednesday, 430 flights in India were canceled, representing 3 percent of the day’s scheduled flights.
List of Affected Airports
The impacted airports, concentrated in northern India, include:
- Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar, Jammu, Leh
- Punjab: Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bathinda
- Himachal Pradesh: Dharamshala, Shimla
- Rajasthan: Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh
- ujarat: Rajkot, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Kandla
- Madhya Pradesh: Gwalior
- Uttar Pradesh: Hindon
These closures have caused widespread inconvenience for travelers, with numerous flights canceled or rescheduled.
Indian Airlines Respond
Indian carriers have warned passengers that the disruptions could have a cascading effect, impacting flight schedules across the country. IndiGo, India’s largest airline, issued a statement: “Due to government notifications on airspace restrictions, over 165 IndiGo flights from airports including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar have been canceled until 0529 hrs IST on May 10, 2025. Customers are advised to check their flight status on our website or mobile app before heading to the airport.”
To mitigate the inconvenience, airlines are offering free rescheduling and full refunds for canceled flights, ensuring flexibility for affected passengers.
Advice for Travelers
- Check Flight Status: Verify your flight’s status on the airline’s website or app before traveling to the airport.
- Rescheduling and Refunds: Take advantage of free rescheduling or full refund options for impacted flights.
- Adjust Travel Plans: Consider alternative travel arrangements due to the ongoing airport closures.
Prioritizing National Security
The suspension of commercial operations at these airports is part of India’s efforts to prioritize national security. The affected airports will continue to support defense flights, ensuring uninterrupted operations for the armed forces. The restrictions underscore the gravity of the current security situation and the need for heightened vigilance.
