Indian Airports Temporarily Closed Until May 15th, Re-Opens After Ceasefire With Pakistan, Check Complete List Here

On May 7, 2025, Wednesday, India carried out a surprise military attack, striking terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.

This military operation targeted nine known terrorist camps, destroying them and significantly weakening the terrorist network in the region.

The airstrikes, which took place two weeks after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that resulted in 26 fatalities, reportedly aimed at Pakistan-based terrorist strongholds—Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.

Following that, the Indian government has announced a red alert for various regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan and more. 

According to web data, approximately 32 Indian airports are closed until May 15th, and numerous schools in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Kashmir are also closed until further notice.

Check Out| List of Wars Between India and Pakistan

New Update: India Re-opens 32 Airports After Ceasefire With Pakistan, AAI Advice Travellers...

India's aviation regulator has announced the reopening of 32 airports in northern and northwestern parts of the country, which were previously shut due to airspace restrictions amid rising tensions with Pakistan. This decision comes after both nations agreed to a ceasefire, easing concerns over potential escalation.

In light of evolving circumstances and dynamic airspace conditions, commercial flight operations were temporarily suspended at 32 Airports until 05:29 hrs of May, 15th 2025. It is pleased to inform that these Airports are now fully operational for #CivilAircraft movements with… pic.twitter.com/KmkTEBN0D0

— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 12, 2025

Airports in key cities like Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Amritsar are now fully operational for civil flights, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed on Monday morning.

In a public notice, AAI stated:

“Attention flyers: As per the earlier notice regarding the temporary closure of 32 airports till 05:29 hrs on May 15, 2025, it is hereby informed that these airports are now open for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect.”

Major airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet have announced the resumption of flight services to and from these airports. Travelers are advised to check flight status directly with airlines and visit official websites for the latest updates.

Airport authorities and airline operators are now working to restore normal operations, which includes reassigning flight slots, managing staff deployment, and coordinating passenger movement efficiently. The closure originally affected 24 airports and was later expanded to 32, following a series of airspace safety advisories issued last week.

Operation Sindoor Impact: List of Airports Temporarily Closed

Highly esteemed airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Spicejet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have been cancelled and rescheduled. 

About 27 airports in northern, western, and central India have suspended commercial flights until 5:29 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. The Indian government has extended the closure of airports until May 15, 2025, due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

Indian airlines have cancelled approximately 430 flights on Thursday, which represents about 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights. Below is a complete list of airports that are closed until May 15 morning:

Key:

• Civilian Airport: Primarily serves commercial flights.
• Military Airbase: Operated by the Indian Air Force, not open to civilian traffic.
• Dual-use Facility: Shared by both military and civilian operations.
  

New Update: Govt. Has Extended the Closure of Airports Till May 15th, 2025

The Indian government has extended the closure of 24 airports across northern and western India until 5:29 AM on May 15, 2025. This decision follows rising tensions with Pakistan, including a recent drone attack and India's military response, known as Operation Sindoor.

Flight Disruptions

At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, heightened security measures have led to significant flight disruptions. On May 9, 2025, a total of 138 flights were canceled, including 66 domestic departures, 63 domestic arrivals, 5 international departures, and 4 international arrivals .

Airline Advisories

Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have issued advisories to passengers. They are offering options like rescheduling without additional charges or full refunds for canceled flights to and from the affected airports. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates and assistance.

Passenger Advisory issued at 09:48 Hours#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/BUtrJr5eaH

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) May 10, 2025

On May 10, 2025, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced an extension of the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs).

#1. Air India

Source: Tata Group

Air India has announced the cancellation of flights to and from several stations, including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, until 05:29 hrs on May 15. This decision comes in response to the closure of these airports, as indicated by a notification from aviation authorities. 

#TravelAdvisory
Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on closure of these…

— Air India (@airindia) May 7, 2025

In a post on X, the airline stated that passengers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be eligible for a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or a full refund for cancellations.

#2. IndiGo

Source: Aviation A2Z

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has cancelled over 165 flights from various airports, including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar. 

These cancellations are effective until 05:29 hrs on May 10, 2025, due to government-imposed airspace restrictions. 

The airline has informed affected passengers that they can either reschedule their flights on the next available service or opt for a full refund without incurring any additional charges. 

Typically, IndiGo operates around 2,200 flights daily and has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

#3. Air India Express

Source: News18

Air India Express has confirmed that flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon are cancelled until 05:30 hrs on May 10, 2025, due to a notification from airport authorities. 

The airline is offering full refunds for cancellations and a one-time waiver for rescheduling flights up to June 30, 2025, for defence personnel with special fares, whose bookings are on Air India and Air India Express flights until May 31, 2025. This initiative aims to support their duty commitments during the current situation.

#4. Akasa Air

Source: Business Today

Akasa Air has announced the suspension of all flights to and from Srinagar until May 9. The airline is providing support to affected passengers by offering full refunds for cancelled flights and the option to reschedule their flights at no extra cost to any date within seven days of the original travel date.

#5. SpiceJet

Source: India Infra Hub

SpiceJet has confirmed that flights to and from Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice. 

The airline noted that both departures and arrivals, as well as connecting flights, will be impacted due to the airport closures. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and stay updated through the airline's official communication channels.

Additionally, on Wednesday, Delhi airport cancelled over 140 flights, which included 65 incoming flights and 66 outgoing flights. Furthermore, two international arrivals and two international departures were also cancelled throughout the day.

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Operation Sindoor Impact: List of Schools That Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice

In Jammu, schools and colleges will remain closed in Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch until Thursday, May 8, for security reasons following Operation SIndoor.

In Rajasthan, all government and private schools in the state's border districts, including Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer, are closed until further notice. 

In Punjab, schools in border districts, including Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur, will be closed today, May 8.

Later that evening, Ferozepur announced that the district's schools would be closed on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile, the administration in Fazilka announced that the schools would be closed until further notice.

BCAS Orders to Implement SLPC on Airports: What is Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC)?

Following a string of military exchanges, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply. India carried out airstrikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

What Is the Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC)?

#TravelAdvisory

In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding.…

— Air India (@airindia) May 8, 2025

The Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) is an additional security screening conducted by airline staff just before passengers board the aircraft.

Purpose of SLPC:

• To provide an extra layer of security beyond the primary checks conducted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

SLPC Procedures:

• Airline staff use hand-held metal detectors to frisk passengers and inspect their carry-on luggage.
• This check occurs either at the boarding gate or just before boarding the aircraft via buses or aerobridges.

When Is SLPC Implemented?

• During periods of heightened security alerts, such as national holidays or increased threats.
• Currently mandated nationwide due to the ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

Why Are Airports Across India Enhancing Security?

In response to the escalating conflict, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airports and airlines to implement stringent security measures:

• Mandatory SLPC: All passengers will undergo this additional security check.
• Visitor Restrictions: Entry of non-travellers into terminal buildings is prohibited.
• Deployment of Air Marshals: Security personnel are being stationed at strategic points within airports.
• Travel Advisories: Airlines like Air India advise passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure; check-in counters close 75 minutes prior to flight time.

Where Are Blackouts and Curfews Being Imposed?

To mitigate potential threats and ensure civilian safety, authorities have enforced blackouts and curfews in several regions:

• Jammu and Kashmir: Cities like Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Samba, and Rajouri are experiencing blackouts.
• Punjab: Districts including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur have implemented blackouts.
• Rajasthan: Areas such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Sriganganagar are under blackout conditions.
• Gujarat: Parts of the Kutch district have also enforced blackouts.

Which Airports Are Affected?

Due to the heightened security situation, several airports have suspended operations:

• Closed Airports: At least 25 airports in northern and western India, including Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and Jammu, are shut until May 10.
• Flight Cancellations: Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have cancelled or rescheduled numerous flights.
• International Impact: Some international flights are avoiding Pakistani airspace, leading to diversions and delays.

What Should Travellers Do?

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures. All passengers at all airports will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC). Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshal will be…

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025

If you have upcoming travel plans:

• Check Flight Status: Regularly monitor your airline's official channels for updates.
• Arrive Early: Reach the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure.
• Prepare for Delays: Be ready for extended security checks and potential flight rescheduling.

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