The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have led to the temporary closure of 24 airports across northern India, following hostilities initiated by Islamabad. The Civil Aviation Ministry issued a notice stating that all civilian flights have been suspended until further notice. This action is part of heightened security measures triggered by Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the deadly attack on Pahalgam on April 22. The attack had claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local resident.
Airport Closures in Response to Hostilities
The announcement from the Civil Aviation Ministry came after Pakistan launched multiple drone and missile attacks targeting various regions of Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. These provocations from Pakistan intensified security concerns, prompting the Indian government to take swift action. As a result, several airports in northern India, including in Jammu, Srinagar, and Chandigarh, are no longer operating civilian flights. The list of affected airports also includes prominent ones like Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jaisalmer, among others.
Here is a full list of the airports that have been temporarily shut down due to the escalating tensions:
Chandigarh
Srinagar
Amritsar
Ludhiana
Bhuntar
Kishengarh
Patiala
Shimla
Kangra-Gaggal
Bathinda
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Bikaner
Halwara
Pathankot
Jammu
Leh
Mundra
Jamnagar
Hirasa (Rajkot)
Porbandar
Keshod
Kandla
Bhuj
Pakistan’s Drone and Missile Attacks Fail to Reach Targets
The situation intensified on Thursday evening when Pakistan attempted to strike multiple locations in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan with drones and missiles. However, the Indian Air Defence System intercepted the attack, successfully preventing any significant damage. Despite the military response, the attack caused widespread blackouts in several areas, as well as the triggering of air raid sirens. These sirens could be heard across many cities in northern India, including those in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Additionally, the heightened security situation had far-reaching effects on public events, including the suspension of an IPL match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, due to security concerns.
