27 Indian Airports in North, West, Central to Stay Closed Until May 10
Air Travel Disrupted: 430 Flights Canceled Amid Nationwide Airport Closures in India
In a significant disruption to air travel, 430 flights have been canceled across 27 airports in India, including Srinagar (SXR) and Amritsar (ATQ), due to the ongoing military operation dubbed Operation Sindoor. This operation, initiated by India’s armed forces, is aimed at targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to a temporary closure of these airports until May 10, 2025. The extensive cancellations represent approximately 3% of India’s daily flight schedule, creating chaos for travelers across the northern, western, and central regions of the country.
Overview of the Airport Closures
On May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was launched, resulting in the closure of 27 airports vital for both civilian and military use. These closures are expected to last until 5:29 AM on May 10, 2025. Key airports affected include:
- Srinagar (SXR)
- Amritsar (ATQ)
- Jammu (IXJ)
- Leh (IXL)
- Chandigarh (IXC)
The decision to close these airports comes as airlines like IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI) reroute flights to avoid the sensitive airspace, further exacerbating travel disruptions. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), 140 flights, including four international services, have been canceled.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
Airlines are responding to the crisis by issuing advisories and offering support to affected passengers. Notably:
- IndiGo (6E): Canceling over 165 flights, the airline is providing full refunds or free rescheduling until May 22, 2025, for bookings made prior to April 22, 2025.
- Air India (AI): Canceled services to nine airports, offering refunds or alternative flights.
- Akasa Air (QP): Halting all flights to Srinagar (SXR).
- Air India Express (IX): Suspending services to multiple airports, including Amritsar (ATQ) and Jammu (IXJ).
International Flight Disruptions
The impact of Operation Sindoor is not limited to Indian airlines. International airlines such as Qatar Airways (QR), KLM (KL), and Singapore Airlines (SQ) have been forced to reroute flights, resulting in longer travel times. Pakistan has also closed its airspace, leading to the cancellation of 147 flights, accounting for 17% of its flight schedule. Major international carriers, including American Airlines (AA) and United Airlines (UA), have canceled or rerouted flights to and from India, further affecting global travel.
Economic and Operational Fallout
The operational disruptions have significant economic implications. With IndiGo operating 2,200 daily flights, the airline is facing substantial losses, estimated at ₹80–100 crore weekly. The airspace restrictions are expected to increase fuel consumption and ticket prices by 8–12%, placing additional strain on the airline industry.
Conclusion
The ongoing situation surrounding Operation Sindoor has led to widespread air travel disruptions across India and beyond. As airlines work to manage cancellations and reroute flights, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates from their carriers.
For further insights on related travel topics, feel free to explore our articles on airline policies and travel advisories. We invite readers to share their experiences or thoughts in the comments below.
