Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed – check full list; new travel advisory for passengers issued – IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa flights cancelled

Operation Sindoor impact on air travel

Operation Sindoor impact on air travel: Even as several airports across India are closed for commercial flights over the next few days following India’s missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a fresh advisory has been issued.The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures.“All passengers at all airports will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC). Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshal will be deployed accordingly,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation has reportedly said.In view of the latest advisory, airlines have asked passengers to reach airports well ahead of the scheduled departure of flights. Air India shared on X (formerly Twitter), “In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure.”Spicejet shared on X, “In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”AkasaAir also issued a travel advisory saying, “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing upto 7 kgs will be permitted.As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding…”Hundreds of flights of airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Spicejet, Akasa Air, Air India Express have been cancelled and rescheduled as 27 airports in north and north-western India are shut. Air travel in the country has been disrupted after 27 airports across northern, western, and central India have shut down commercial flights until 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10.Indian carriers have cancelled as many as 430 flights on Thursday, which amount to about 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 yesterday showed the skies over Pakistan and India’s western corridor, from Kashmir to Gujarat, almost entirely empty of civilian aircraft.Operation Sindoor impact: Full List of Airports ClosedIt’s important to plan your air travel carefully over the next few days and also be aware if your flight has been cancelled. Below is a full list of airports that are shut till May 10 morning:

Here is a list of affected airlines: Air India The airline confirmed that flights to and from the following stations—Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot—are cancelled until 05:29 hrs on 10 May. The cancellations are in response to the closure of these airports, as per a notification from aviation authorities. In a post on X, the airline also said that passengers with valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.IndiGo India’s largest airline by share announced the cancellation of over 165 flights from multiple airports, including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar. These cancellations are effective until 05:29 hrs on 10 May 2025, following government airspace restrictions. It further said that passengers affected by these disruptions can reschedule their flights on the next available service or opt for a full refund, without incurring additional charges. Usually, the airline operates around 2,200 flights daily.The airlines also suggested passengers to check the flight status before heading for the airports.Air India Express“Due to notification from the airport authorities, flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon are cancelled till 05.30 hrs on 10th May 2025,” Air India Express said in a post on X. The airline is offering full refunds on cancellations and a one-time waiver for rescheduling flights up to 30 June 2025 for defence personnel holding special fares, whose bookings are on Air India and Air India Express flights until 31 May 2025.This initiative is designed to support their duty commitments during the prevailing situation.Akasa AirAkasa airlines announced that all flights to and from Srinagar have been suspended until May 9,.The airline also offered support to the passengers, providing a full refund for the cancelled flight and alternatives to reschedule the flight at no additional cost to any date within 7 days of the original travel date.SpicejetSpiceJet also issued a statement, confirming that flights to and from Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice. The airline noted that both departures and arrivals, as well as connecting flights, will be affected due to the airport closures. Passengers have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and to stay updated through the airline’s official communication channels.On Wednesday, Delhi airport cancelled over 140 flights. This includes 65 incoming flights and 66 outgoing flights. Additionally, 2 international arrivals and 2 international departures were also cancelled throughout the day.

Operation Sindoor impact: Airports closed, flights cancelled FAQs

1. Till when are some airports in north, north-western India shut?As per the advisory issued, the 27 airports listed above will be closed for commercial flights till May 10, 2025 morning. But since this is an evolving situation, it is important to check your flight status post that as well2. How many flights have been cancelled?For Thursday, May 8, over 400 flights were cancelled by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa and Air India Express.