India Begins Reopening 32 Airports After Temporary Closure

New Delhi, May 12, 2025 – India has started reopening 32 airports that were temporarily shut following heightened tensions with Pakistan earlier this month. The move comes after a period of calm along the border and the completion of precision strikes under Operation Sindoor. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), responsible for issuing aviation advisories, released multiple Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) on Monday, signaling the resumption of operations at several airports across northern and western India. The reopening comes just days after the temporary airspace curbs were extended until May 15 amid escalating conflict. Background: Operation Sindoor and Airspace Closures The airport closures were a direct consequence of Indian airstrikes carried out on May 7, targeting nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes were launched in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. The military operation prompted fears of a larger conflict, with both countries exchanging missile fire and deploying long-range weapons. In response, the Indian government suspended civil aviation activity in vulnerable regions to ensure civilian safety. Reopening Orders Issued AAI officials confirmed that they have begun reopening airports in phases, starting with locations under the Mumbai Flight Information Region. These include: Mundra Jamnagar Rajkot Porbandar Kandla Keshod Bhuj In another round of notifications, the following airports were cleared to resume operations: Srinagar Jammu Hindon Sarsawa Uttarlai Awantipur Ambala Kullu Ludhiana Kishangarh Patiala Shimla Kangra Bathinda Jaisalmer Jodhpur Bikaner Halwara Pathankot Leh Chandigarh Airlines are expected to take additional time to resume full services, as they must rework flight schedules and logistics before commercial flights can operate. “Reopening an airport is relatively quick on the operational side,” said an AAI official. “However, airlines need a few hours to prepare and resume routes.” Additionally, 25 international and domestic flight corridors, previously suspended, have also been reopened. IAF Confirms Stability on Border The Indian Air Force (IAF) issued a statement Monday morning confirming a quiet night across Jammu and Kashmir and other border regions. “No hostile activities were observed,” the statement noted, highlighting it as the first peaceful night in several days. This improved security outlook played a crucial role in the government’s decision to relax airspace restrictions and restart flight operations. Delhi Airport Functional but Cautious Although Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remained operational throughout the conflict, many flight schedules were disrupted due to rerouting and heightened security protocols. Passengers faced longer check-in lines and thorough baggage checks. As per Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines issued last week, enhanced security measures will remain in place until May 18. These include: Suspension of visitor entry into airports Additional screening at boarding gates A one-time waiver for ticket rescheduling or cancellation Mandatory early arrival (at least three hours before departure) Closure of check-in counters 75 minutes before departure Pakistan Airspace Remains Closed to Indian Carriers Despite Pakistan reopening its airspace for international carriers on Saturday, Indian airlines continue to face restrictions. All Indian carriers and Indian-registered aircraft have been barred from using Pakistan’s airspace since April 24, adding significant detours to long-haul flights to the West. As a result, Indian flights to Europe, North America, and Canada now reroute southward via Mumbai’s airspace, the Arabian Sea, and Muscat, extending travel times and fuel usage. List of Airports Previously Closed The following 32 airports were temporarily shut due to conflict-related concerns: Adhampur Ambala Amritsar Awantipur Bathinda Bhuj Bikaner Chandigarh Halwara Hindon Jaisalmer Jammu Jamnagar Jodhpur Kandla Kangra (Gaggal) Keshod Kishangarh Kullu Manali (Bhuntar) Leh Ludhiana Mundra Naliya Pathankot Patiala Porbandar Rajkot (Hirasar) Sarsawa Shimla Srinagar Thoise Uttarlai Looking Ahead The gradual reopening of air travel routes is a sign of de-escalation in the region. However, officials remain cautious, citing the ongoing airspace restrictions imposed by Pakistan and the evolving geopolitical situation. Airline operations are expected to stabilize in the coming days, provided no new escalations occur. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and has assured the public that passenger safety remains its top priority.