Amid the escalating India-Pakistan standoff, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for civilian flight operations. The shutdown, which began early on May 9, will continue until May 15 at 5:29 AM IST, citing “operational reasons” amid the ongoing military conflict. The move comes in the wake of India’s airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and subsequent cross-border shelling by Pakistan’s armed forces.
Airports Affected Across Key States
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), in coordination with air traffic control (ATC) and the DGCA, has issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) notifying the temporary suspension of civil flights. These airports are situated in strategically sensitive regions—especially near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border.
List of 32 Airports Closed Until May 15:
- Punjab: Adhampur, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Patiala
- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Srinagar, Jammu, Awantipur, Leh, Thoise
- Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Kangra (Gaggal), Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar)
- Rajasthan: Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Uttarlai
- Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Mundra, Naliya, Kandla, Porbandar
- Haryana and others: Ambala, Halwara, Hindon, Sarsawa, Keshod
This sweeping shutdown is part of India’s strategic airspace management to prioritize military aircraft operations in sensitive sectors during the standoff.
India-Pakistan Standoff: The Trigger
The latest India-Pakistan standoff was triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians and jawans. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed.
In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, using air-launched precision weapons. Pakistan responded with drone intrusions, missile strikes, and shelling along the LoC, leading to India’s closure of air corridors.
🔗 Related: Operation Sindoor: India Conducts Precision Missile Strikes on Terror Targets »
Air Traffic Service (ATS) Route Segments Also Affected
Along with airport closures, DGCA has restricted 25 ATS route segments within Delhi and Mumbai FIRs (Flight Information Regions). These restrictions apply to:
- All civil flights from ground level to unlimited altitude
- Duration: From May 9 to May 14, 2359 UTC (0529 IST, May 15)
The airspace restrictions are aimed at facilitating unrestricted military movement while ensuring civilian safety.
Major Airlines Affected
Airlines have started issuing advisories and suspending operations to avoid last-minute passenger inconvenience.
✈️ Air India Statement:
“Due to the continued closure of multiple airports, all Air India flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot are cancelled till May 15, 5:29 AM IST.”
✈️ IndiGo Statement:
IndiGo announced the cancellation of flights to 10 destinations, with automatic refunds initiated for affected passengers. Other carriers like SpiceJet, Vistara, and Akasa Air have also begun issuing revised schedules and advising travelers to check flight status regularly.
🔗 Also Read: Indian Fighter Jets Bomb Pakistan Air Bases »
Conclusion
As the India-Pakistan standoff continues, the closure of 32 airports reflects India’s heightened military preparedness and strategic airspace control. While civilians face temporary inconvenience, the measures are aimed at ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and uninterrupted defence operations.
With airspace blocked, ATS routes rerouted, and military operations ongoing, the next few days will be crucial in determining whether the crisis de-escalates or intensifies further.