Operation Sindoor: 25 Airports Temporarily Closed Following Pahalgam Attack — What Passengers Need to Know

In a swift and strategic retaliation to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, the Indian armed forces have launched Operation Sindoor, leading to the temporary suspension of civilian operations at 25 airports across the country. The shutdown is expected to last until 0529 IST on May 10, severely impacting domestic flight schedules and affecting over 500 departures and a similar number of arrivals.

Military Action Triggers Airspace Restrictions

The overnight counter-offensive launched on May 6–7 is aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. To ensure operational secrecy and safety, airfields that either function as civil enclaves within Indian Air Force bases or lie near sensitive border areas have been closed to civilian traffic. These closures also help prevent unintentional information leaks by passengers and maintain focus on high-priority military maneuvers.

The airports impacted include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Kishangarh, Gwalior, Kandla, Adampur, Hindon, Bareilly, and Jamnagar, among others.

Passenger Impact and Flight Cancellations

According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, Chandigarh Airport faces the highest disruption with 123 flight departures cancelled, followed by Srinagar (99 departures) and Amritsar (90 departures). The impact spans across multiple carriers, with IndiGo accounting for 267 affected flights, followed by Air India (102 flights) and Air India Express (74 flights).

The shutdown affects less than 8% of India’s total domestic air traffic, but passengers traveling to and from affected zones face significant delays and rerouting.

Airline Response and Passenger Guidelines

Airlines have activated emergency protocols, offering full waivers on cancellation charges and free ticket modifications for affected travelers. Passengers are advised to:

• Update contact details with airlines to receive real-time notifications.
• Check for alternative airports, such as Delhi for Hindon, or explore road travel options from places like Chandigarh.
• Monitor official airline communication channels, including emails, SMS alerts, WhatsApp updates, and social media for latest flight status.
• Avoid visiting restricted airport premises or engaging in unauthorized photography, especially near defence airfields.

Passengers currently stranded at impacted airports or whose travel plans extend through May 10 should coordinate with their airlines to rebook flights from operational airports or reschedule for later dates.

Government Advisory and Ongoing Situation

As of now, no official travel advisory has been issued by the government to restrict movement in specific regions. However, authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and stay informed due to the volatile nature of military operations, which may lead to sudden extensions or lifting of airfield closures.

The travel community is reminded that such actions, while inconvenient, are essential for national security and operational readiness of the armed forces during times of conflict.

Final Note

Operation Sindoor marks a significant moment in India’s counter-terror strategy, with civilian infrastructure playing a pivotal role in supporting military priorities. Passengers are advised to exercise patience, follow official channels for updates, and make travel decisions based on current and credible information.