Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar & More Airports Shut Across North India, Causing Major Flight Disruptions

A sudden and severe disruption to air travel has hit northern and western India, with Twenty Seven airports, including major hubs like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Patiala, Chandigarh, and Bathinda, temporarily closed for commercial operations. This unexpected closure is due to heightened airspace restrictions imposed by the Indian government following recent military operations targeting terrorist groups in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. The closures, which are set to last until 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, have caused widespread flight cancellations, rerouting, and delays across the affected regions. Airlines, both domestic and international, are scrambling to adjust schedules, leaving travelers stranded and unable to proceed with their plans. With the situation still unfolding, passengers are advised to stay in constant contact with their airlines, keep an eye on real-time updates, and be prepared for further disruptions. This unprecedented shutdown of airports is the result of heightened airspace restrictions imposed due to military operations by the Indian Armed Forces. Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted strikes aimed at eliminating terror threats in Pakistan, led to the decision to close several key airports in sensitive regions. These drastic measures have deeply impacted domestic and international air travel, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or unable to complete their planned journeys. The temporary airport shutdowns have left air traffic in disarray. On Thursday alone, Indian airlines canceled 430 flights, representing nearly 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights. The disruption extended to neighboring Pakistan, which grounded 147 flights, contributing to a 17% decrease in daily air traffic. These cancellations and delays have underscored how regional instability can swiftly disrupt global air travel. Affected Airports and Impacted Regions The airport closures affect a broad area across northern, western, and central India. Key cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Patiala, Chandigarh, and Bathinda have seen their airports temporarily shut down, along with smaller regional airports in various areas. The closures have affected crucial transportation hubs that many passengers rely on, particularly in regions where air travel is the primary mode of connectivity. In addition to these larger cities, several smaller airports are also impacted, including those in places like Halwara, Pathankot, and Jodhpur. Military airports, frequently used for defense purposes, are included in the restrictions, further complicating the situation. The scope of the closure covers a vast stretch of India, affecting states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Delhi NCR. These widespread disruptions are felt not only by domestic travelers but also by international travelers who were planning to enter or exit India via these critical airports. Major Airline Disruptions and Cancellations The airport shutdowns have led to major disruptions in airline operations, forcing many airlines to cancel flights and reroute others to alternate airports. Domestic and international airlines alike have struggled to adapt to the sudden closure of such a large number of airports. Air India, India’s national carrier, is one of the most affected by these closures. The airline has suspended flights to and from several cities, including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. All flights in these regions have been grounded until further notice, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their travel plans. Additionally, Air India was forced to reroute international flights bound for Amritsar to Delhi, adding further delays and confusion for travelers. Similarly, IndiGo, one of the largest private carriers in India, has been hit hard by the shutdowns. The airline announced that its services to and from affected airports, including Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar, have been severely disrupted. To assist passengers, IndiGo is offering a waiver of change and cancellation fees for bookings made to and from Srinagar before April 22, 2025, as a way to ease the burden on travelers whose flights have been affected. SpiceJet has also suspended its services to and from cities like Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, and Amritsar. Both departures and arrivals for these routes have been halted, and passengers with connecting flights have been warned of further disruptions. Akasa Air, although not listing specific routes, has advised all passengers to stay updated on their flight statuses via the airline’s official channels, as northern regions, where Akasa operates several services, have been significantly impacted. International Airlines Affected The effects of the airport closures have been felt internationally as well, with several foreign airlines forced to reroute their flights or cancel services. For example, American Airlines canceled its New York-Delhi flight due to the restricted airspace. Several European and Middle Eastern carriers have also had to adjust their routes to avoid flying over sensitive regions in Pakistan and India. Many international airlines are now choosing alternative routes, flying over Mumbai or Ahmedabad to bypass the affected airspace. The disruptions are not only affecting airlines flying into and out of India, but they are also creating significant delays for travelers who were en route to destinations within India. International carriers have rerouted their flights to ensure they remain clear of the restricted zones, and many passengers are facing extended delays and cancellations as a result. Ongoing Situation and Advice for Travelers As the airspace restrictions are set to last until May 10, airlines and travelers alike are bracing for continued disruptions. With many flights already canceled or rerouted, passengers are urged to stay in regular contact with their airlines to receive real-time updates regarding flight statuses. Airline representatives are working tirelessly to manage the changing situation and accommodate affected travelers, but further delays are likely until the restrictions are lifted. For travelers still planning to fly or attempting to rebook their tickets, staying updated is crucial. Airlines are offering flexible rebooking options, and many are waiving change and cancellation fees. Passengers are encouraged to check their flights regularly, update their contact information with airlines, and be prepared for potential changes to their travel plans. In addition, passengers are advised to allow for extra time at the airport due to the ongoing disruptions. With fewer available flights and higher numbers of cancellations, there may be longer lines and wait times at check-in counters. Travelers should also prepare for the possibility of connecting flight cancellations or delays, as many international airlines are still adjusting their routes to avoid the affected airspace. Aviation across northern and western India has been severely disrupted as 27 airports, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and others, have been temporarily closed due to airspace restrictions from ongoing military operations. These closures, lasting until May 10, have caused widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving travelers stranded. The closure of 27 airports across northern and western India, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Patiala, Chandigarh, and Bathinda, has caused widespread disruption to both domestic and international flights. The airspace restrictions, imposed due to military operations in Pakistan, have left passengers stranded, with numerous flights canceled and rerouted. With the shutdown expected to last until May 10, travelers are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines, remain flexible with their travel plans, and monitor flight statuses for the latest updates. As airlines continue to navigate this crisis, passengers are urged to be patient and prepared for ongoing delays and cancellations.