Grounded by Geopolitics: 32 Airports Take Off from Service Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Thirty-two northern and western Indian airports have been shut down temporarily for all civilian flight activities up to 5:29 am on May 15, 2025, amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan. The historic decision was made by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in the wake of recent military confrontations and to ensure operational security and safety amid a period of heightened tension.

 

Key Points

 

Background and Reason for Closure

The closure comes after a series of retaliatory military operations between India and Pakistan, including India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, and follow-up shelling by Pakistan.

 

The airports affected are mostly situated close to India's western and northern borders, most of which have dual civilian and military functions.

 

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) were published by the AAI and concerned aviation authorities, citing "operational reasons" for the shutdown, although officials have not stated the action as a direct security threat.

 

Duration and Scope

Suspension of all civilian flight operations at the 32 airports from May 9 to May 14, with regular services expected to resume at 5:29 am on May 15, 2025.

 

The shutdown also covers 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs), covering airspace from ground to unlimited altitude over this period.

 

List of Affected Airports

Key airports affected are Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Jaisalmer, Pathankot, among others.

 

The complete list: 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.

 

Effect on Airlines and Passengers

Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have suspended flights to and from various affected destinations until May 15, instructing passengers to monitor for updates and make alternative arrangements.

 

The DGCA has instructed all airlines and operators to schedule alternative routings and is coordinating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) units to reduce disruption and ensure safety.

 

Travelers are advised to use official channels for information and to report to airports early owing to increased security and possible delays.

 

Security and Operational Coordination

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating closely with security institutions and may further issue instructions as the situation continues to unfold.

 

The closure is being handled for safety and less disruption, taking special care for the changing security situation along border areas.

 

Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, The News Minute, NDTV, NewsOnAir