As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise following Operation Sindoor and a large-scale drone incursion attempt by Pakistan’s military, the Union government has extended the closure of 24 airports across the country until 5:29 am on May 15.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier announced a temporary suspension of operations at these airports till May 10. However, in light of the evolving security situation, the shutdown has been extended for an additional five days. The affected airports include key terminals in Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Jaisalmer, Pathankot, Jammu, Bikaner, Leh, Porbandar, and others located near sensitive border areas.
Major airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories and updated their passengers about flight cancellations and alternative options.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Air India said, “Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot are being cancelled till 05:29 hrs IST on May 15, pending further updates.” The airline added that affected passengers will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or a full refund.
IndiGo also confirmed the suspension of flights to and from airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh during this period.
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, although operations are officially ongoing, heightened security protocols have disrupted flight schedules. Between 5 am and 2 pm on Friday, 66 domestic departures, 63 arrivals, five international departures, and four international arrivals were cancelled, according to officials.
“Delhi airport operations remain normal. However, due to evolving airspace conditions and heightened security measures, some flight schedules and security processing timings may be impacted,” said the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) in a post on X.
The increase in airport security comes in the wake of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India has blamed Pakistan for cross-border terrorism, a charge Islamabad has denied.
Adding to the strain, on Thursday night, Pakistan reportedly launched between 300 to 400 drones, which were intercepted by India’s air defence systems. While the drones were neutralised, the loud explosions and aerial flashes sparked fear and panic in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Furthermore, heavy artillery shelling by the Pakistani military along the Line of Control (LoC) has resulted in casualties and property damage in Indian border villages.
The Indian government and armed forces remain on high alert as the situation along the western front remains volatile.
Sources By Agencies
