In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, India has extended the closure of 24 airports for civilian aircraft operations until 5:29 AM IST on May 15, 2025. This decision follows the precision strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces under ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The initial airport shutdown, announced shortly after the strikes, was intended to last until May 11. However, continued hostilities, including large-scale drone and missile attacks from Pakistan and India’s proportionate military response, prompted authorities to extend the suspension.
The list of affected airports includes key locations such as Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Rajkot, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Dharamshala, Bathinda, Shimla, Kishangarh, Porbandar, Mundra, and Kandla. Most of these airports are situated at or near strategic military bases or along the India–Pakistan border, and many see only limited commercial activity. Current flight tracking data shows a virtual halt in civilian air traffic north of Delhi and across western regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The closure has had a significant impact on commercial aviation, with over 400 daily flights reportedly cancelled. Major airlines have issued advisories to inform passengers of the ongoing disruptions.
IndiGo announced that all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh would remain cancelled through May 15. “These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority,” the airline stated.
Air India also confirmed the suspension of flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot during the same period, noting that services will resume pending further guidance from aviation authorities.
As tensions persist, aviation authorities and airlines continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure passenger safety and operational readiness.
