As tensions between India and Pakistan intensify, civil flight operations at 24 airports across India have been suspended, including those in Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, and Shimla.
The Civil Aviation Ministry announced the closures Thursday evening, following a Pakistani drone and missile strike targeting Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Airports Closed for Civil Operations
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Chandigarh
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Srinagar
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Amritsar
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Ludhiana
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Bhuntar
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Kishengarh
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Patiala
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Shimla
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Kangra-Gaggal
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Bathinda
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Jaisalmer
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Jodhpur
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Bikaner
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Halwara
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Pathankot
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Jammu
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Leh
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Mundra
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Jamnagar
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Hirasa (Rajkot)
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Porbandar
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Keshod
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Kandla
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Bhuj
Thursday evening’s escalation followed a confirmed Pakistani-origin drone and missile incursion, which Indian air defence systems intercepted. The attempted attack triggered blackouts, air raid sirens in multiple cities, and even forced the suspension of an IPL 2025 match underway in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
According to military sources cited by PTI, the situation began when Indian defense systems intercepted drones and missiles over Jammu. Soon after, explosions were reported in Punjab, sensitive zones in Rajasthan, and several points along the western border.
This follows India’s launch of Operation Sindoor on Wednesday—a military retaliation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Airlines have issued advisories informing passengers about suspended services at affected airports until Saturday. Travelers are advised to reach operational airports early due to enhanced security protocols.
“In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,”
— IndiGo posted on X Thursday evening
SpiceJet and Akasa Air also urged passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flights.
On Wednesday, IndiGo canceled 165 flights. Air India and Air India Express followed suit with similar cancellations. Two Air India international flights were rerouted from Amritsar to New Delhi due to the sudden airport closure near the Pakistan border.
