27 Airports Closed, 430 Flights Cancelled Amid Escalations Along the Border Following Operation Sindoor
In an unprecedented move, the Indian government has temporarily shut down 27 airports across the northern, western, and central parts of the country amid escalating border tensions following Operation Sindoor—a coordinated military strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The closures are in effect until May 10, 2025, disrupting national and international air travel significantly.
Major Airports Affected
Among the most impacted are key commercial and strategic hubs including:
- Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, and Jodhpur
- Punjab: Patiala, Halwara
- Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Dharamshala
- Rajasthan: Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh
- Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Mundra, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod
- Additional closures include Gwalior and Hindon
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) ordering the suspension of operations. As a result, around 430 flights have been cancelled—approximately 3% of India’s scheduled flights.
Operation Sindoor and Security Measures
The air travel disruption follows Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces targeted nine terror sites in PoK and Pakistan, including known hubs like Muridke and Bahawalpur, reportedly neutralizing 80 to 90 militants.
There have been more hostilities by Pakistan along the LoC and the international border, to which India has responded adequately, giving a befitting reply.
The Indian Air Force has taken full control of several airports, including the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh, as precautionary security measures continue. Paramilitary forces are on high alert and leaves have been cancelled to ensure full readiness. Meanwhile, mock drills involving 244 districts across India are being conducted to train civilians and emergency personnel in wartime response and evacuation protocols.
Airspace Remains Closed in the Conflict Zone
The airspace in India’s northwestern sector has remained closed for the third consecutive day and will continue to remain so in the near future, as there is considerable risk to civilian aircraft flying in this region. The defence forces also need the airspace cleared to carry out any offensive or defensive manoeuvres freely.
What Lies Ahead?
While the government insists the measures are precautionary and aimed at citizen safety, the situation remains volatile. As the shutdown continues, travellers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels and government bulletins. The Indian government is actively monitoring the situation, with high-level briefings involving the Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ongoing at the South Block.
Meanwhile Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said during an all party briefing earlier today that Operation Sindoor was ongoing.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
