India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Over 200 Flights Cancelled, 27 Airports Temporarily Shut Down

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a rapidly evolving geopolitical scenario, the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, an offensive strike by Indian forces on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has led to heightened tensions across the India-Pakistan border. The situation has directly impacted civil aviation in India, with more than 200 flights cancelled and 27 airports temporarily shut down due to heightened airspace restrictions.

Why Were Airports Closed in India?

Early Wednesday morning, Indian forces reportedly targeted and destroyed nine terrorist bases across the border in an operation dubbed “Operation Sindoor.” The military offensive, aimed at neutralizing cross-border terror threats, has triggered escalated alerts in key Indian states bordering Pakistan.

As a result, civil aviation authorities suspended operations in 27 airports, primarily in the northern and western regions of India. These closures are effective until May 9, 2025, as per initial notifications, and could be extended depending on the evolving security environment.

List of Airports Temporarily Shut Down

The following airports are currently non-operational due to national security measures:

• Delhi NCR & North India: Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, Shimla, Gaggal (Kangra), Bhatinda, Hindon (Ghaziabad), Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Pathankot, Halwara, Amritsar

• Western India: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Mundra

• Himalayan Region: Bhuntar, Dharamshala

These airports span across Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi NCR, strategically located near India’s western and northern borders.

Delhi Airport Issues Advisory Amid Flight Disruptions

Though Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) remains operational, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has issued an advisory urging passengers to verify the status of their flights with the respective airlines due to ongoing airspace disruptions.

“All terminals and all four runways at Delhi Airport are operating normally. However, due to dynamic airspace conditions, some flights may be affected,” Delhi Airport posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Over 200 Flights Cancelled Across Airlines

The sudden airspace restrictions and airport closures have resulted in massive flight cancellations. Both domestic and international operations have been disrupted. According to airline sources:

• IndiGo Airlines has cancelled over 165 flights primarily from Amritsar and Srinagar, with more cancellations expected until at least May 10.

• Air India has suspended flights to/from cities like Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Rajkot, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Chandigarh.

• Other affected airlines include SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and multiple foreign carriers, all of which have temporarily suspended routes through the impacted zones.

Impact on Domestic and International Travelers

Travelers, especially those flying in or out of North and West India, are advised to stay updated on the situation as further NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) may be issued depending on the geopolitical climate.

Airlines have begun notifying affected passengers via SMS, email, and apps. Passengers are being offered full refunds, rescheduling options, and alternate routes depending on seat availability and safety approvals.

Safety, Security, and Civil Aviation Regulations

The suspension of civil operations at airports near international borders is a standard precautionary protocol under Indian civil aviation and defense regulations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in coordination with the Ministry of Defence, is monitoring the situation closely.

Authorities have stressed that the closure of airports is a temporary measure, intended to prevent airspace violation risks during a sensitive military operation.

Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Strike

As per defense analysts, Operation Sindoor marks one of India’s most assertive cross-border military actions in recent years. Conducted with precision, the operation reportedly targeted strategic terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

While official details remain classified, initial reports suggest a successful neutralization of multiple terror hideouts, raising India’s defense posture along the border.

Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

The strike has worsened already fragile diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan has condemned the operation, warning of consequences, while India maintains that the action was a preemptive, targeted strike against non-state actors threatening national security.

As diplomatic channels remain on edge, airspace security is expected to remain volatile, prompting the Indian Air Force and civil aviation bodies to enforce temporary no-fly zones.

Economic and Logistic Fallout

Beyond passenger inconvenience, these disruptions have triggered logistics and cargo delays, particularly for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and essential supplies being routed through these key airports.

The suspension of cargo flights in northern India is likely to impact:

• Agricultural exports from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh

• Pharmaceutical shipments from Gujarat

• Textile and auto component exports from Rajasthan and Delhi NCR

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has requested the government to arrange alternate routing corridors to minimize trade losses.

What Should Passengers Do?

If you have an upcoming flight through any of the impacted regions, here are recommended actions:

• Check real-time flight status via airline websites or apps

• Avoid airport travel unless your flight is confirmed

• Stay updated through news, government, and airport advisories

• Contact airline customer care for rebooking or refunds

Government Response & Coordination

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, and Indian Air Force are in continuous coordination to ensure national security while minimizing public disruption. A high-level review meeting chaired by the Home Ministry is expected later today to assess:

• Current airspace status

• Ground security at closed airports

• Next steps based on border developments

Airlines and passengers alike are hoping for early de-escalation to restore full aviation operations.

With over 27 key airports temporarily closed and more than 200 flights cancelled, India’s civil aviation sector is facing one of its most significant disruptions in recent years. The ripple effect on passengers, airlines, trade, and infrastructure is substantial — a reminder of how deeply connected geopolitics and public mobility are in today’s world.