Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Civil Aviation Ministry announced on Thursday evening that 24 airports across northern and western India have been closed for civil aviation operations.
This move follows a Pakistani drone and missile attack targeting Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Airports Closed for Civil Operations
The following airports have been shut temporarily:
Chandigarh
Srinagar
Amritsar
Ludhiana
Bhuntar
Kishengarh
Patiala
Shimla
Kangra-Gaggal
Bathinda
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Bikaner
Halwara
Pathankot
Jammu
Leh
Mundra
Jamnagar
Hirasa (Rajkot)
Porbandar
Keshod
Kandla
Bhuj
The closures were triggered after Indian air defense systems intercepted hostile drones and missiles reportedly launched from Pakistan.
These strikes prompted blackouts, air raid sirens in multiple cities, and even forced the suspension of the IPL match in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
According to defense sources cited by PTI, the initial incursion was thwarted over Jammu. Soon after, explosions were reported in Punjab, parts of Rajasthan, and other sensitive regions along the western border.
This latest escalation follows India’s launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a precision military strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.
Airline Advisories and Flight Disruptions
Airlines have responded swiftly, suspending operations from the affected airports. Several carriers, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have urged passengers to:
Reach operational airports well in advance to allow for intensified security checks.
Stay updated on flight statuses through official airline channels.
“In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being implemented across all airports. Please allow extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks. We appreciate your cooperation,” IndiGo posted on X (formerly Twitter).
On Wednesday alone, IndiGo canceled 165 flights, while Air India and Air India Express also reported a similar number of cancellations.
Air India had to divert two international flights from Amritsar to Delhi due to the sudden airport closures.
