NEW DELHI- India’s DGCA has closed 32 airports, including Srinagar (SXR) and Amritsar (ATQ), for civilian flights until May 15, 2025, due to India-Pakistan tensions. Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) cancel flights, enhancing security at operational hubs like Delhi (DEL).
This article details the closure of 32 airports, including Jammu (IXJ), amid Pakistan’s attacks, the impact on airlines like Air India (AI), and heightened security. It examines the geopolitical context and aviation disruptions.
Airport Closures
On May 10, 2025, DGCA announced the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India, effective from May 9 to 05:29 IST on May 15, 2025, citing “operational reasons” linked to escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
Affected airports include-
- Adhampur
- Ambala
- Amritsar
- Awantipur
- Bathinda
- Bhuj
- Bikaner
- Chandigarh
- Halwara
- Hindon
- Jammu
- Jaisalmer
- Jamnagar
- Jodhpur
- Kandla
- Kangra (Gaggal)
- Keshod
- Kishangarh
- Kullu Manali (Bhuntar)
- Leh
- Ludhiana
- Mundra
- Naliya
- Pathankot
- Patiala
- Porbandar
- Rajkot (Hirasar)
- Sarsawa
- Shimla
- Srinagar
- Thoise
- Uttarlai
The closures follow Pakistan’s missile and drone attacks on May 8 and 9, targeting Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, which India’s air defences intercepted.
The BCAS mandated enhanced security, including Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers and a ban on visitor entry to terminal buildings.
Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) cancelled hundreds of flights to affected airports, with IndiGo (6E) reporting 165 cancellations. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) remains operational but has issued advisories for potential delays due to stricter security protocols.
Geopolitical Triggers
Pakistan’s May 9 attacks, involving 300–400 Turkish-made drones, damaged civilian structures in Poonch, with one house destroyed and another demolished for safety.
India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed Pakistan’s role, prompting blackouts and air raid sirens in multiple cities. The Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Dharamshala was suspended, reflecting the crisis’s broader impact.
The mutual airspace closures—Pakistan banning Indian carriers like Air India (AI) on April 24 and India reciprocating on April 30—have compounded disruptions, forcing airlines to reroute flights via the Arabian Sea.
Impact on Airline Operations
Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) have suspended all flights to the 32 closed airports until May 15, 2025.
Air India (AI) diverted two international flights from Amritsar (ATQ) to Delhi (DEL) on May 8, while IndiGo (6E) offered fee waivers for changes or cancellations for travel until May 22. Other carriers like SpiceJet (SG) and Akasa Air (QP) cancelled services to Leh (IXL) and Bhuj (BHJ), urging passengers to arrive three hours early at operational airports like Mumbai (BOM) for enhanced checks.
The closures disrupt approximately 3% of India’s daily flights, with 430 cancellations reported on May 7 alone, per Flightradar24. International carriers, including Emirates (EK) and Lufthansa (LH), avoid Pakistan’s airspace, adding 1–2 hours to flights from Delhi (DEL) to Europe, increasing fuel costs by 8–10%.
Economic Consequences
The airport closures, affecting strategic locations, reflect India’s prioritisation of security near Pakistan’s border. The shutdowns disrupt travel for millions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, with Srinagar (SXR) and Amritsar (ATQ) being major hubs.
Tourism and trade in these regions face losses estimated at ₹500 crore daily, per industry sources.
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