National, May, 2025 : In a major decision affecting air transport, India temporarily closed 27 airports in the country until May 10 over increased security worries. The measure has resulted in the cancellation of at least 430 flights and widespread inconvenience for passengers. Important districts like Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jodhpur are among the Indian airports that are impacted. The suspension also applies to airports that are mostly used for military transportation.
Security Concerns Prompt Closure
The restrictions began following airspace warnings triggered by Indian Armed Forces missile strikes against militant targets in Pakistan. Prior to Thursday’s string of issues, around 250 flights had already been grounded and operations at 21 airports had already been shut down on Wednesday. The effect is across the Indian aviation network, hitting airports in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR.
The move, as per official sources, follows increasing tensions in some areas, though details are not disclosed for security purposes. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued a directive to suspend operations at these airports as a precautionary measure.
Massive Flight Disruptions
Top carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have been compelled to cancel numerous flights, stranding thousands of passengers. Airports in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir are some of the impacted ones.
Travellers have been requested to verify flight statuses prior to visiting airports, while airlines are providing rescheduling facilities for no extra fee.
Government Assures Safety, Urges Calm
Agencies are keeping a close watch on events and will reconsider the decision before May 10. In the meanwhile, alternate security arrangements are being put in place to reduce further disruption.
Flights Included in the Arrangement
Ongoing airspace restrictions have caused significant flight disruptions across North India, with major airlines IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet all affected. IndiGo reported cancellations and delays for flights to Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala and Bikaner, while offering fee waivers for Srinagar flight changes until May 22 for tickets booked before April 22.
Air India cancelled all flights until May 7 to several cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh and Amritsar, and had to divert two international Amritsar-bound flights to Delhi. SpiceJet also suspended operations to multiple hill stations including Dharamshala and Leh. All airlines advised passengers to monitor official channels for updates and ensure their contact details were updated to receive timely notifications about schedule changes. The widespread disruptions stem from temporary airspace closures implemented for security reasons.
While admitting significant service disruptions in the affected locations, such as Srinagar and Chandigarh, Akasa Air placed a generic advisory without specifying any route. Passengers were instructed to monitor their bookings on the airline’s website and customer care helplines. The airspace restrictions introduced by the prevailing sensitive security situation have resulted in one of the most widespread disturbances to air traffic in recent years, affecting domestic and international travel.