In the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions and the closure of airspace in northern and western India, passenger flight operations have been suspended at nearly 20 airports until 5:29 am IST on May 10, as per a NOTAM issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The disruption follows India’s missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
Airports Temporarily Shut
Flight operations have been halted at the following airports: Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Bhatinda, Bhuj, Dharamshala, Shimla, Rajkot, Porbandar, Bikaner, Hindon, Kishangarh, Kandla, and Gwalior.
Authorities have cited security concerns as the primary reason for these shutdowns. Several airlines have already issued advisories, urging passengers to reschedule or cancel travel plans involving these airports.
Airlines Respond to Airspace Restrictions
IndiGo stated, “Over 165 of our flights from airports including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar are cancelled until 5:29 am IST on 10 May 2025, due to government-imposed airspace restrictions.” The airline has offered free rescheduling or full refunds for affected customers.
Air India announced via X that flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled until May 10. “A one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or full refunds will be provided to affected passengers,” the airline said.
Air India Express also confirmed full refunds or free changes for passengers traveling to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until May 10.
SpiceJet, in its advisory, noted: “Due to the evolving situation, several airports in northern India—such as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar—are closed until further notice, with potential impacts on departures, arrivals, and related flights.”
Foreign Airlines Reroute Mid-Air
Following the missile strikes, most foreign carriers also stopped overflights through Pakistani airspace. Some planes en route were forced to reroute mid-flight.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines reported extended flight times, stating, “The Amsterdam to Delhi flight will take an hour longer, while the Amsterdam to Mumbai flight will be extended by one hour and 15 minutes.”
Air India also said that two international flights bound for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi as a precautionary measure.
Travel Advisory
Authorities have requested passengers to check flight statuses online and opt for rescheduling or refunds where applicable. With the situation still developing, air travel disruptions may continue beyond May 10 depending on regional security assessments.
