Operation Sindoor: Srinagar Airport Shut, Flight Disruptions Across North India After Strikes in PoK
32 Airports Resume Operations After Temporary Shutdown Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
In the wake of Operation Sindoor—India’s targeted military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)—multiple airports across North India, including Srinagar, have been shut for civilian operations, prompting airlines to issue urgent travel advisories.
The Indian Army confirmed the strike late Tuesday night, stating on social media platform X: “Justice is Served.” The precision attack was launched days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the armed forces full freedom to respond to the Pahalgam terror massacre that claimed 26 lives.
According to the Defence Ministry, Indian forces launched non-escalatory, targeted missile strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur. The statement, released at 1:44 am, emphasized that the operations were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature.”
Major Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures
In response to changing airspace conditions, major Indian carriers—Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet—have either cancelled or rerouted several domestic and international flights.
Air India announced cancellation of flights to and from key cities including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 12 noon on May 7, pending further updates. Two international flights originally headed to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi.
SpiceJet posted: “Airports in parts of Northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice.”
IndiGo also confirmed disruptions, saying: “Due to changing airspace conditions in the region, our flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala are currently impacted.” A follow-up advisory from the airline noted that Bikaner flights were also affected.
Increased Security and Travel Disruptions Expected
The closure of these strategic northern airports is likely to impact thousands of travelers. Authorities have urged passengers to check with their airlines for real-time updates before proceeding to the airport.
Meanwhile, national security has been heightened across key military and civilian zones, with officials closely monitoring the regional response to the Indian strikes.
