Airport operations halted at 27 locations, triggering massive flight cancellations.
Situation Update: Temporary Closure of Airports Across North, Central, and Western India Following Military Operations
NEW DELHI — A total of 27 civil airports across northern and western India have been temporarily closed due to the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted nine Pakistani terror locations. The affected airports will likely remain closed until at least May 15, 2025.
The following are the affected airports:- Adhampur (Punjab)- Ambala (Haryana)- Amritsar (Punjab)- Awantipur (Jammu & Kashmir)- Bathinda (Punjab)- Bhuj (Gujarat)- Bikaner (Rajasthan)- Chandigarh (Chandigarh)- Halwara (Punjab)- Hindon (Uttar Pradesh)- Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)- Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)- Jamnagar (Gujarat)- Jodhpur (Rajasthan)- Kandla (Gujarat)- Kangra (Gaggal) (Himachal Pradesh)- Keshod (Gujarat)- Kishangarh (Rajasthan)- Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar) (Himachal Pradesh)- Leh (Ladakh)- Ludhiana (Punjab)- Mundra (Gujarat)- Naliya (Gujarat)- Pathankot (Punjab)- Patiala (Punjab)- Porbandar (Gujarat)- Rajkot (Gujarat)- Sarsawa (Uttar Pradesh)- Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)- Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)- Thoise (Ladakh)- Uttarlai (Rajasthan)
The closures have resulted in the cancellation of more than 250 flights across these sectors. Both domestic and international airlines have been impacted, with Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet, Akasa, and Air India Express rerouting their late-night flights and suspending operations at certain airports temporarily. IndiGo has cancelled over 165 flights from various domestic airports, including Amritsar and Srinagar, until early morning of May 10.
Many international airlines en route northern India and Pakistan last night were forced to reroute mid-flight as a result of the attack from India. Qatar Airways has also made temporary adjustments to flights to and from Pakistan and India due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. Approximately 60 international flights were disrupted on Wednesday as a result.
Delhi airport has advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates and travel alternatives due to changing airspace conditions. SpiceJet has announced that airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, will remain closed until further notice, with departures, arrivals, and consequential flights potentially impacted.
References:[1] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/airports-in-north-west-india-to-remain-closed-until-15-may-due-to-security-agency-s-advisory-report-3377137[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/airports-in-north-west-india-to-remain-closed-until-may-15/story-OGF9R03hsazi0PEJDYu1wI.html[4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64893417
Due to the temporary closure of airports in northern and western India, many individuals' travel plans have been disrupted. On the bright side, this situation might encourage people to reconsider their lifestyle and engage more in local sports as a means of staying active during the travel pause.
The closures and cancellations of flights have also affected various airlines, making it impossible for some sports athletes and teams to participate in international events or travel to training sessions. Flexibility and innovation will be key in adapting to sudden changes in the sports world during this period.
