Operation Sindoor: India Shuts Down Northern Airports After Strikes on Terror Targets
In a swift and strategic move under Operation Sindoor, India has shut down several airports across northern regions following precise military strikes on terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The action comes in response to the brutal April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives — 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
The airports affected by the civilian shutdown include Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), Leh, Jammu, and Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), Amritsar (Punjab), Bikaner (Rajasthan), and Hindon in Delhi NCR. The government has not issued a timeline for reopening, citing security concerns and operational necessity.
Leading Indian airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have confirmed widespread disruptions. “Due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India… are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted,” SpiceJet stated on social media platform X.
IndiGo highlighted the impact on Bikaner operations, urging passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. Air India, managed by the Tata Group, suspended all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until at least 12 noon on May 7. Two international flights bound for Amritsar were rerouted to Delhi due to airspace restrictions.
Akasa Air reported complete suspension of its Srinagar-bound operations, citing the closure of the Srinagar Airport.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India’s strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” The government clarified that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, showcasing India’s restraint and commitment to minimizing collateral damage.
“These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack… We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” said a government spokesperson.
Amid rising tensions, Pakistan has retaliated diplomatically by downgrading bilateral ties and blocking Indian carriers from its airspace. This development has triggered a domino effect with international airlines like Qatar Airways also suspending operations in Pakistan. “The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew,” Qatar Airways said.
As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay updated with official airline communications and reconsider immediate travel plans to or through the northern regions of India.
