Air Transport Severely Disrupted Throughout Northern and Western India
Air travel throughout northern and western India was disrupted on Wednesday, May 7, after India’s missile strikes under “Operation Sindoor” against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The air strikes, undertaken in retaliation against a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, resulted in airspace restrictions and temporary closure of 27 airports.
Airports Remain Closed Until May 9
Transportation authorities shut down a total of 27 major airports until May 10 at 5:30 AM, including top hubs such as,
Chandigarh
Srinagar
Amritsar
Leh
Jammu
Bhuj
Jodhpur
Rajkot
Pathankot
Ludhiana
Bhuntar
Kishangarh
Patiala
Shimla
Gaggal
Bhatinda
Jaisalmer
Bikaner
Halwara
Mundra
Jamnagar
Porbandar
Kandla
Keshod
Dharamsala
Gwalior
Hindon
The shutdown is based on precautionary reasons due to increasing local tensions after the pinpoint Indian airstrikes.
Airlines Cancel Flights, Waive Rescheduling Fees
IndiGo, which was most impacted, cancelled more than 165 flights. The airline announced cancellations will continue to hold through early May 10 due to airspace restrictions mandated by the government. Air India suspended flights to several cities and made equivalent refund or rescheduling waivers.
Air India Express made a social media announcement that it would provide free rescheduling or full refunds on flights to and from the cities impacted, such as Amritsar and Jammu. SpiceJet announced airport closures at northern airports such as Leh and Dharamshala and cautioned on potential effects on arrivals and departures. Akasa Air and Star Air cancelled a number of services, predominantly in the north.
Delhi Airport Faces Mass Cancellations
India’s busiest airport, Delhi Airport, had more than 140 flights cancelled since midnight, with 65 arrivals and 66 departures. Some foreign airlines like American Airlines and Qatar Airways also suspended certain services. Qatar Airways suspended services to Pakistan altogether due to airspace restrictions.
International Flights Skirted Pakistani Airspace
Scores of international flights were diverted to circumvent Pakistani airspace. FlightRadar24 stated that 52 flights to and from Pakistan were cancelled. Dutch carrier KLM and Singapore Airlines said they were not flying over Pakistan until notice. Delhi International Airport released a passenger advisory, advising passengers to contact airlines for revised schedules and alternative arrangements.
