India’s powerful military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack has triggered a sweeping effect on civil aviation in northern India. Following Operation Sindoor, during which Indian troops carried out precision attacks against nine terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, several civilian airports were shut down by authorities in a major but obligatory step to promote national security.
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar shut until further notice Sirivennela, IPS , ADCP-2, says, ” We received information that all flights need to be cancelled and the airport has to be shut. The whole airport is shut…until further orders…”
#WATCH | Punjab: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar shut until further notice
Sirivennela, IPS , ADCP-2, says, ” We received information that all flights need to be cancelled and the airport has to be shut. The whole airport is shut…until further… pic.twitter.com/qSE3ZqGmVT
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025
The airports affected by this move include Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), Leh, Jammu, Srinagar (J&K), Amritsar (Punjab), Bikaner (Rajasthan), and Hindon (Delhi NCR). This is a prompt measure taken as tensions in the region rise and the government prepares for possible retaliatory action from Pakistan.
Major local airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and Akasa Air have announced the shutdowns and asked customers to verify flights before departing for the airport. SpiceJet posted on social media platform X, “Due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status.”
#TravelUpdate: Due to ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are…
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) May 6, 2025
Meanwhile, IndiGo alerted flyers about operations at Bikaner being impacted, and Air India took a broader step, cancelling all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until noon on May 7, pending further updates. Additionally, the airline reported that two international flights en route to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi.
“Regret the inconvenience caused by this unexpected disruption,” Air India stated, echoing the aviation industry’s unified reaction to a changing crisis. Akasa Air also confirmed an absolute suspension of flights to and from Srinagar because of the airport shutdown.
Multiple flights on our network are impacted due to prevailing restrictions. For alerts and notifications on flights, please ensure your contact details are updated on https://t.co/20Ow1YVToE.
We request guests to please confirm their flight status on… pic.twitter.com/Z0SEiIP9gQ
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) May 6, 2025
#TravelUpdate: Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Srinagar airport has been closed for civil operations. As a result, our flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled.
We request you to check the flight status https://t.co/mnYEbc6sXy before commencing your…
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) May 7, 2025
India Clarifies Measured Response
In its first statement after the strikes, India emphasized that its actions were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature.” It made clear that “no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted” and renewed its restraint and precision in conducting the operation.
The closure of airports by the government follows its message of preparation and vigilance. “These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
Global Aviation Impact
Outside Indian airspace, the geopolitical shockwave was instant. Qatar Airways cancelled all its flights to Pakistan, citing the closure of Pakistani airspace. “The airline is keeping a close eye on the situation and will continue to put the safety of its passengers and crew first,” the carrier stated.
This evolving scenario highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic positioning and military precision in a more interdependent world. While the Indian government stands firm in fighting terrorism, the domestic and international aviation industry stays on red alert.
