Operation Sindoor: Airport Closures and Travel Disruptions

Due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has initiated Operation Sindoor. As a result, 32 airports across North and West India have been temporarily shut for all civil aviation from May 9 to May 15, 2025 (until 05:29 IST). This is based on directives issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and implemented via Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). Airports Affected A total of 32 airports are closed. These include: In North India: Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Shimla, Dharamsala, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Ambala, Halwara, Hindon In West India: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bhuj, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Bikaner, Kandla, Keshod, Mundra, Naliya, Uttarlai Other affected airports include Adhampur, Awantipur, Kangra (Gaggal), Kishangarh, Patiala, Sarsawa, Thoise, and Kullu Manali (Bhuntar) These closures affect both regional hubs and strategic locations. Airline-Specific Updates Air India Flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Amritsar are cancelled until 05:29 IST on May 15. Passengers are eligible for a one-time rescheduling waiver or full refund. IndiGo Flights remain cancelled to/from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh until May 15. SpiceJet Cancelled flights include those to and from Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Kandla, Dharamsala, and Porbandar. Air India Express Flights cancelled to Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until May 10. Offers refunds and one-time rescheduling for defence personnel through June 30 for bookings until May 31. Enhanced Airport Security Nationwide The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated strict new measures, including: Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) for all passengers No visitor access to terminal buildings Increased deployment of Air Marshals and in-flight security personnel Check-in to close 75 minutes before departure All passengers must arrive at least 3 hours before flight time Limit of one 7 kg handbag per passenger Broader Operational Impact Hundreds of flight cancellations have occurred nationwide Delhi Airport saw 138 cancellations on Friday, May 9 Mumbai Airport remains open but warns of longer wait times due to enhanced checks Advisory for Passengers Monitor flight status closely Arrive at the airport well in advance Prepare for delays and thorough security checks Airlines are offering rebooking and refund flexibility