The Indian government’s Operation Sindoor has resulted in significant disruptions to air travel in the country. Following missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued a fresh advisory, instructing all airlines and airports to enhance security measures. As a result, 27 airports in northern, western, and central India have shut down commercial flights until May 10, 2025.
All passengers at all airports will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), and visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshal will be deployed accordingly. Airlines have asked passengers to reach airports well ahead of the scheduled departure of flights, with a recommended arrival time of at least three hours prior to departure.
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and rescheduled, with Indian carriers cancelling as many as 430 flights on Thursday, accounting for about 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights. The affected airports include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and others. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have cancelled flights to and from these airports.
Passengers have been advised to check the flight status before heading to the airports. Airlines have offered waivers on rescheduling charges or full refunds for cancellations. The disruptions are expected to continue until May 10, 2025, and passengers are advised to plan their air travel carefully over the next few days.
The full list of closed airports includes:
* Srinagar
* Jammu
* Leh
* Chandigarh
* Amritsar
* Ludhiana
* Patiala
* Bathinda
* Halwara
* Pathankot
* Bhuntar
* Shimla
* Gaggal
* Dharamsala
* Kishangarh
* Jaisalmer
* Jodhpur
* Bikaner
* Mundra
* Jamnagar
* Rajkot
* Porbandar
* Kandla
* Keshod
* Bhuj
* Gwalior
* Hindon
Airlines have issued statements regarding the cancellations and disruptions, with Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express affected. The situation is evolving, and passengers are advised to stay updated through the airlines’ official communication channels.