 "Temporary Suspension of Civil Flight Operations at 32 airports. Image for Representation. Reuters")
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) remains operational, and flight operations continued normally on Saturday despite the escalating situation .
However, the airport issued a travel advisory noting that some flights may be delayed or cancelled due to changes in airspace usage and enhanced security protocols, which could lead to longer boarding times.
32 airports shut, many flights cancelled
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday announced that 32 airports in northern and western India have been closed for civilian flight operations until 15 May.
Previously, 24 airports located near Pakistan’s border or close to key defence installations were shut until 10 May, but the restriction has now been extended.
“The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civilian flight operations, effective from 9–14 May 2025 (up to 0529 IST on 15 May 2025), due to operational reasons,” the ministry said in a statement.
The decision, announced early Saturday, comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s 7 May precision strikes on terror camps, Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling along the border, and attempted drone attacks on cities in India’s western and northern regions.
All helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra, including those to Kedarnath, have also been suspended until further notice. The Uttarakhand government has ordered the suspension of all heli services to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri as a precautionary measure.
Full list of airports closed:
Adampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, Uttarlai