India-Pakistan tensions: Which airports in India are closed? Is it safe to travel now?

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, security at all Indian airports has been raised to the highest level.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airports and airlines in the country to tighten their security arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 27 airports across India are shut for civil flight services.

Catch India-Pakistan LIVE Updates here.

On the night of May 8, Pakistan carried out attacks across several Indian states, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, using drones, missiles and heavy artillery shelling.

However, India managed to stop these attacks and responded by hitting back at several locations in Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Khenju (Sind), Attock, Miano, Bahawalpur and an area close to Karachi.

More from Explainers

India reopens 32 airports for passengers closed last week amid military standoff with Pakistan Pakistan closes airports in Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad for 'operational reasons'

ALSO READ | Was Pakistan’s drone, missile attack inspired by Hamas’ October 7 assault?

In this explainer, we take a look at the list of airports in India shut for civil flight operations and the increased security measures being implemented amid the tensions.

Are airports in India functional? Which ones are shut?

PIB Fact Check has confirmed on X that airports across India remain open and no entry restrictions have been imposed. “Fake news alert: Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India banned. Government has taken no such decision,” it said.

🛑 Fake News Alert

Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India banned#PIBFactCheck:

❌ This claim is #FAKE

✅ Government has taken no such decision pic.twitter.com/MoaUcQqO2d

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025

Quick Reads

View All

India, EU on cusp of historic trade deal: What’s agreed, what are the sticking points?

Republic Day 2026: Meet the founding mothers of the Indian Constitution

This clarification comes at a time when false information is spreading on social media after India’s Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strike was carried out in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed.

At present, only 27 airports are shut for civil flight operations, as per a Notam (Notice to Airmen) issued by authorities.

#BreakingNews | Kishangarh, Bhuntar (Kullu), Ludhiana added to list of Airports closed by #NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) directive.

In view of recent aggression from Pakistan side, Kishangarh, Bhuntar and Ludhiana airports have been closed.

Earlier, operations of several airports… pic.twitter.com/fJsgCE30KK

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 8, 2025

Which are these airports? Here’s the full list:

3. Chandigarh
4. Srinagar
5. Amritsar
6. Ludhiana
7. Bhuntar
8. Kishengarh
9. Patiala
10. Shimla
11. Kangra-Gaggal
12. Bathinda
13. Jaisalmer
14. Jodhpur
15. Bikaner
16. Halwara
17. Pathankot
18. Jammu
19. Leh
20. Mundra
21. Jamnagar
22. Hirasa (Rajkot)
23. Porbandar
24. Keshod
25. Kandla
26. Bhuj
27. Kishangarh
28. Bhuntar (Kullu)
29. Ludhiana

ALSO READ | From Srinagar to Bhuj: Which are 15 Indian cities that Pakistan wanted to target?

Airports increase security: What passengers should know

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has made it compulsory to carry out Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), which are additional checks before boarding, at all airports, The Times of India reported.

Further, visitor entry into terminal buildings has been stopped with immediate effect as part of the new security rules. Air Marshals will also be deployed wherever needed, the report said.

Passengers and their cabin baggage will go through another layer of screening just before boarding, according to The Indian Express. Random checks of passenger bags before entering the airport, physical checks of cargo, and document verification have also been directed.

Airport authorities will increase ID checks for both passengers and staff. Ground handling staff will be under stricter watch, and security for aircraft and catering services will be thoroughly reviewed.

All CCTV cameras at aviation facilities have been ordered to remain fully functional, and more personnel will be deployed to guard aircraft, IE reported. State police and special forces will support security efforts at the outer perimeters of airports.

Vehicles and individuals at terminals and parking areas will also face more detailed checking. Quick response teams and bomb disposal units have been asked to stay on high alert.

There will also be stricter monitoring of non-scheduled flights, which are civilian flights not operated by airlines, along with increased checks at cargo and general aviation terminals.

“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes, etc so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all stake holder,” the BCAS directive said.

Most of the affected airports are expected to remain shut for commercial flights until around 5:30 AM on Saturday (May 10). Airlines have cancelled all flights to these airports until then. However, defence flights will continue to operate, according to The Indian Express.

Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet issue travel advisories: What passengers must know

Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, have advised passengers to reach airports early as the Centre has increased security nationwide.

Air India said in a statement, “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.”

#TravelAdvisory

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.…

— Air India (@airindia) May 8, 2025

IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, has cancelled more than 165 flights from several airports such as Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot and Srinagar.

The airline posted on X, “In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”

#6ETravelAdvisory: Your safety is paramount. Flights to/from the following cities are cancelled until 2359 hrs on 10th May. We are here to help you travel with ease. Check flight status here https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV. To rebook or claim a refund, visit https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP. pic.twitter.com/v5BSdX3dDo

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 9, 2025

These cancellations are also in place until 05:29 AM on May 10, 2025, following government restrictions on airspace. IndiGo has offered affected passengers the choice to rebook the next available flight or get a full refund without any additional charges.

Akasa Air, in its advisory, asked passengers to reach the airport at least three hours before departure, citing the increased security measures. “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,” it said.

SpiceJet also put out a statement on X, saying, “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.”

All passengers are also advised to carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding.

According to The Indian Express, over 400 flights are being cancelled daily due to airport closures.

Is Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport functional?

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory on Friday saying that operations are continuing as normal. However, some flights have been affected due to shifting airspace conditions and extra security.

Passenger Advisory issued at 10:25 Hours#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/J1seHhBSXD

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) May 9, 2025

“Follow hand baggage and check-in luggage regulations. Cooperate with airline and security personnel for smooth facilitation,” it said in the advisory.

Passengers have been asked to check with their airline for updates.

That said, more than 90 domestic and international flights to and from Delhi were cancelled and over 200 delayed on Thursday due to airspace restrictions, Hindustan Times reported.

With inputs from agencies