Over Two Dozen Indian Airports Shut for Civil Operations Following Missile Strikes, Says Aviation Ministry

India's Civil Aviation Ministry has shut over two dozen airports in north, west, and central regions to civil flight operations up to May 10, amid increased military tensions with Pakistan after the New Delhi missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Key airports covered are Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, and Bhuj. Carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have canceled or delayed hundreds of flights, with customers instructed to check for status updates and with no-cost rescheduling and refunds permitted. The surprise shutdowns have caused substantial disruption, with foreign flights diverted and having passengers stranded or redirected. While no formal announcement has been issued by the ministry, these moves are taken in both countries as they tighten airspace control in case of increased escalation. The shutdowns are expected to last at least through Saturday morning, with authorities closely monitoring the shifting security scene.

 

Source: Times of India, The Independent, India TV News, Mint