Air Strike Disrupts Air Travel Across India: 11 Airports Closed, Major Airlines Cancel Flights Until Noon

National security measures impact civilian flight operations; passengers advised to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Widespread Disruptions Across Northern INDIA

New Delhi/Srinagar In the wake of India’s air strike on Pakistan, major disruptions have hit civilian aviation operations across the country, particularly in the north. As of May 7, 2025, flight services at 11 airports have been suspended, with Air India cancelling all flights to and from nine major cities including Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh until 12 PM today.

According to official sources, the airports affected by the shutdown include Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Chandigarh, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Rajkot, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Bhuj, and Jamnagar. This unprecedented move follows heightened security protocols triggered by the military operation, significantly affecting domestic and international air travel.

Airlines Respond With Cancellations and Alerts

Air India, India’s national carrier, has confirmed that all flights operating to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled until midday. Two international flights scheduled to land in Amritsar have been diverted to Delhi due to airspace restrictions. The airline has expressed regret over the inconvenience and issued helpline numbers 011-69329333 / 011-69329999 for passenger assistance.

IndiGo Airlines issued a statement noting that the changing airspace conditions in the northern sector have forced the cancellation or rescheduling of flights to/from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Bikaner, and Dharamshala. The airline has urged all passengers to verify their flight status through the IndiGo website or mobile app before leaving for the airport.

SpiceJet, referencing the ongoing “Operation Sindoor”, stated that services at key northern airports such as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice. The airline advised passengers to review their travel plans and monitor the SpiceJet website for real-time updates on cancellations and rescheduling.

Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, has also cancelled all flights operating through Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon Air Base until midday. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and encouraged customers to track updates via its chat service Chat with Tia at +91 63600 12345.

Passenger Advisory: Check Before You Travel

The civil aviation ministry has not released a unified directive yet, but multiple airlines have independently confirmed temporary airspace restrictions over northern India, particularly near border regions. Authorities have stated that these are precautionary measures in response to evolving security scenarios.

Passengers scheduled to travel from the affected airports are strongly advised to:

• Check their airline’s official website or app for live updates.

• Utilize helpline numbers for rebooking or refunds.

• Arrive at the airport only after confirmation of flight status.

The move has caused significant disruption, particularly for morning flights, business travelers, and families returning from summer holidays. Major travel aggregators have also updated their dashboards with real-time data reflecting the widespread impact.

Security Measures Triggered by Air Strike

India’s overnight air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) has prompted elevated defense readiness across northern sectors. While official sources have maintained discretion about the details of the military action, civilian airspace closures indicate heightened operational sensitivity. Experts believe these temporary shutdowns may be part of a broader air defense protocol.

Airports near border areas, including Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh, are most vulnerable to airspace escalations and are often the first to face shutdowns in times of cross-border tension. The Indian Air Force, in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has likely recommended these suspensions as a precautionary move to maintain aerial safety.

Broader Implications for Air Travel

While the disruptions are currently limited to a 12 PM cutoff, further extensions may be possible depending on the regional situation and defense advisories. International flights operating through Delhi, Mumbai, and other metro hubs remain largely unaffected, though diversions from Amritsar signal the possibility of spillover effects.

Airlines have assured passengers that rescheduling fees are being waived in light of the unexpected crisis. Refund policies have been relaxed, and customer service teams are being reinforced to handle a surge in inquiries.

Travel industry analysts note that while India’s aviation network is resilient, extended airspace restrictions could result in cascading delays, slot backlogs, and logistical challenges.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan

My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.

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