Govt Extends Closure of 24 Airports Till May 14 Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
Govt Extends Closure of 24 Airports Till May 14 Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
Drone and missile attacks from Pakistan trigger major aviation and security response across northern and western India
In response to rising tensions with Pakistan, the Indian government has extended the suspension of operations at 24 airports across northern and western regions until May 14, 2025. The move follows a major drone and missile assault allegedly carried out by Pakistan on the night of May 8, which targeted several locations in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
According to defence officials, 300 to 400 Turkish-made drones were deployed by Pakistan, prompting swift retaliation and heightened alert across India. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the strikes, which resulted in air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and the suspension of an IPL match in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Airports Affected by Closure
Here is the full list of airports that will remain shut until May 14:
- Chandigarh
- Srinagar
- Amritsar
- Ludhiana
- Bhuntar
- Kishengarh
- Patiala
- Shimla
- Kangra-Gaggal
- Bathinda
- Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Halwara
- Pathankot
- Jammu
- Leh
- Mundra
- Jamnagar
- Hirasar
- Porbandar
- Keshod
- Kandla
- Bhuj
Security Measures Tightened
Following the escalation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated all Indian airports and airlines to implement enhanced safety measures. These include:
- Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers
- Suspension of visitor entry to terminal buildings
Airlines Issue Travel Advisories
Leading airlines have responded swiftly to the crisis.
- IndiGo announced a waiver on change and cancellation fees for bookings made on or before May 8, applicable for travel to and from affected cities until May 22, 2025.
- Air India advised passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to departure and issued alerts via its official social media handles.
Damage on the Ground
Social media footage and reports from Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, showed destruction to a temple, a gurudwara, and a mosque. In one border town, a house was completely destroyed, while another severely damaged structure was later demolished by authorities as a safety measure.
As diplomatic and military dialogues remain tense, authorities are urging citizens and travellers to stay informed through official updates and advisories.
