27 Airports Closed, Over 430 Flights Cancelled Amid Security Precautions
On May 8, 2025, India witnessed massive disruptions in air travel as 27 airports across northern, western, and central regions were temporarily shut down due to heightened security following Operation Sindoor. The move resulted in the cancellation of more than 430 domestic and international flights, creating ripple effects across aviation networks.
The decision comes amid increased military alertness along the India-Pakistan border, with large sections of Indian and Pakistani airspace being avoided for civilian use. Airlines rerouted or suspended flights to avoid regions deemed sensitive due to ongoing strategic operations.
Major Airports Affected
Airports in critical border states and sensitive zones were among those impacted. These include:
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Northern Region: Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Bathinda, and Hindon
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Western and Central Region: Jodhpur, Bikaner, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and others
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Himachal and Uttarakhand Hills: Dharamsala, Shimla, Gaggal, Bhuntar
All closures are scheduled to remain in place until 5:29 AM IST on May 10, depending on evolving security evaluations. Authorities have stated that operations will resume only after a fresh assessment of ground realities.
Airlines and Passenger Impact
Indian airlines collectively cancelled 430 flights—roughly 3% of the daily scheduled operations—due to the closure. Pakistani carriers also cancelled 147 flights, amounting to nearly 17% of their daily schedule, as air traffic near the western frontier was rerouted or halted.
International flights that usually traverse through Pakistani airspace are now being rerouted via alternative corridors over Mumbai and Ahmedabad to avoid conflict zones.
Advisory for Travellers
Passengers scheduled to travel during this period are strongly advised to stay updated through airline helplines and official airport announcements. Given the dynamic nature of the situation, rescheduling options and full refunds are being extended by most airlines.
With no formal end to heightened alert in sight, India’s civil aviation sector remains on standby, balancing operational continuity with national security imperatives.
