India-Pakistan tensions impact on air travel : Hours after resuming flights to airports in parts of northern India, airlines like Air India and IndiGo announced cancellations for May 13.
On Monday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) declared that 32 airports in northern and western India would resume civil flight operations. This announcement came three days after their temporary closure had been extended until May 15 due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The shutdown of airports severely affected flight services, resulting in more than 300 daily flight cancellations.
However on Monday night, during a blackout in Samba, India's air defence systems detected and intercepted Pakistani drones, with visible red streaks and audible explosions marking the engagement.
Army officials confirmed that a limited number of drones had entered the Samba sector. They assured that the situation was under control, with defence forces actively engaging the unmanned aerial vehicles, and emphasised that there was no cause for concern.
Air India
Air India declared on Tuesday the suspension of its two-way flight services connecting multiple destinations including Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot for Tuesday.
“In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. For more information, please call our Contact Centre on 011-69329333 / 011-69329999 or visit our website,” Air India said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
IndiGo
Indigo announced on X platform: "In light of the latest developments and with your safety as our utmost priority, flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot are cancelled for 13th May 2025."
The airline further stated: "We understand how this may disrupt your travel plans, and regret the inconvenience caused. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will promptly keep you informed of further updates. Before heading to the airport, please check your flight status on our website or app. If you need assistance, we're just a message or call away. and forever ready to help."
Which airports were closed before?
Due to the India-Pakistan conflict, security protocols were strengthened and 32 airports across northern and western regions were temporarily closed. These aviation facilities resumed civilian operations on Monday.
The following airports were affected by the NOTAM, but have now been opened:
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 Meanwhile, Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has scheduled a meeting with airline industry representatives on Tuesday, according to a PTI report. This follows recent disruptions in flight services due to the military tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to sources, the minister will discuss various matters with the airline representatives. The precise agenda points for the meeting remain undisclosed at present.
Additionally, Indian carriers operating international flights from northern regions to western destinations have been forced to use alternative, longer routes due to Pakistani airspace restrictions.
After the airspace restrictions were implemented, airlines provided the ministry with information regarding potential operational and financial implications.
Delhi airport authorities confirmed that regular operations continue uninterrupted.
"However, due to changing airspace conditions and enhanced security measures by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules may be affected, and security processing times could be longer," stated in a post on X.
On Monday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) declared that 32 airports in northern and western India would resume civil flight operations. This announcement came three days after their temporary closure had been extended until May 15 due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The shutdown of airports severely affected flight services, resulting in more than 300 daily flight cancellations.
However on Monday night, during a blackout in Samba, India's air defence systems detected and intercepted Pakistani drones, with visible red streaks and audible explosions marking the engagement.
Army officials confirmed that a limited number of drones had entered the Samba sector. They assured that the situation was under control, with defence forces actively engaging the unmanned aerial vehicles, and emphasised that there was no cause for concern.
Air India
Air India declared on Tuesday the suspension of its two-way flight services connecting multiple destinations including Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot for Tuesday.
“In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. For more information, please call our Contact Centre on 011-69329333 / 011-69329999 or visit our website,” Air India said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
IndiGo
Indigo announced on X platform: "In light of the latest developments and with your safety as our utmost priority, flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot are cancelled for 13th May 2025."
The airline further stated: "We understand how this may disrupt your travel plans, and regret the inconvenience caused. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will promptly keep you informed of further updates. Before heading to the airport, please check your flight status on our website or app. If you need assistance, we're just a message or call away. and forever ready to help."
Which airports were closed before?
Due to the India-Pakistan conflict, security protocols were strengthened and 32 airports across northern and western regions were temporarily closed. These aviation facilities resumed civilian operations on Monday.
The following airports were affected by the NOTAM, but have now been opened:
According to sources, the minister will discuss various matters with the airline representatives. The precise agenda points for the meeting remain undisclosed at present.
Additionally, Indian carriers operating international flights from northern regions to western destinations have been forced to use alternative, longer routes due to Pakistani airspace restrictions.
After the airspace restrictions were implemented, airlines provided the ministry with information regarding potential operational and financial implications.
Delhi airport authorities confirmed that regular operations continue uninterrupted.
"However, due to changing airspace conditions and enhanced security measures by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules may be affected, and security processing times could be longer," stated in a post on X.
You may also like
India Army briefs 70 nations on successful conduct of Operation Sindoor
Netflix's 'greatest rom-com' lands UK release date - and fans don't have long to wait
Bangladesh: Pakistan High Commissioner flees country after his 'scandalous activities' bring shame to Islamabad
Ruben Amorim given encouraging Man Utd verdict just days after shock exit confession
Bharti Airtel's Q4 net profit slips 23 pc, sales up as India market grows
