New Delhi, May 10 – In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations until 0529 IST on May 15, 2025. The Ministry of Civil Aviation cited “operational reasons” behind the move, issued through a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
The affected airports include major and regional hubs such as Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Pathankot, among others. Operations at these locations will remain suspended, and civil airlines have been directed to reroute or cancel flights as necessary.
In addition to airport closures, the government has also shut down 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs), limiting airspace availability from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on May 14.
Leading airline Air India has already suspended flights to and from nine key airports, including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, urging passengers to stay updated through official channels. The airline has asked travellers to arrive at least three hours before departure, as enhanced security measures are in place at all Indian airports.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports to tighten security protocols nationwide, leading to longer processing times. Passengers have been advised to check-in at least 75 minutes prior to departure and expect delays at security checkpoints.
Authorities emphasized that these measures are precautionary and coordinated closely with Air Traffic Control units to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruption. Travellers are urged to monitor airline advisories regularly.
