Operation Sindoor: 16 Airports Closed in North-West India
In the aftermath of India’s targeted military action under Operation Sindoor, authorities have shut down operations at 16 airports across northern and western India. The precautionary move follows heightened security protocols after precision strikes were carried out on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack.
The airports currently closed include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Bhatinda, Bhuj, Dharamshala, Shimla, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Thoise. These are mostly in sensitive border regions and serve both military and civilian aviation needs. The closures have triggered significant disruption to flight schedules and travel plans.
Airlines Cancel Flights, Issue Advisories
Major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have canceled numerous flights and issued travel advisories. Air India has halted flights to nine airports until May 10, allowing affected passengers to cancel or reschedule at no additional cost.
IndiGo alone has canceled over 165 domestic flights due to airspace restrictions. Travelers have been urged to check flight status before reaching airports as delays and reroutes continue to mount.
International air carriers have also been impacted by the situation. With Pakistani airspace partially closed, many long-haul international flights have been forced to take longer routes, increasing flight times and costs. Qatar Airways has suspended flights to Pakistan, while others are actively rerouting aircraft to avoid conflict zones.
Government on Alert, High-Level Meetings Held
In parallel, the Indian government has bolstered nationwide security, especially in states bordering Pakistan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security meeting with Chief Ministers and senior officials from border states to assess preparedness and coordinate response efforts.
The government stressed the need for vigilance, public calm, and proactive communication during this period. While airports remain shut as a precaution, no specific threat to these facilities has been disclosed publicly.
Public Urged to Stay Calm
With air traffic disrupted and security heightened, citizens have been advised to follow official updates and refrain from panic. The closures are expected to remain in place until the situation stabilizes. Operation Sindoor continues to generate both domestic and international ripple effects, with the government maintaining close surveillance on any potential retaliatory actions.
