India-Pakistan tensions had led to the closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for several days, affecting both domestic and international civil flights. Following the ceasefire agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad on May 9, 2025, these airports have now been reopened for flight operations. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), declaring that the airports would be available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect. Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights directly with airlines as they resume normal operations.
Resumption of Civil Aviation Operations
The closure of airports had primarily impacted regions like Jammu and Kashmir, as well as cities including Srinagar and Amritsar. These airports were temporarily shut as a precautionary measure amid the rising tensions following the announcement of Operation Sindoor by India on May 7. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had ordered the temporary suspension of civil flight operations at these airports, which was initially scheduled to last until May 15. However, with the ceasefire announcement, the hope for the reopening of these airports became a reality.
As of May 12, 2025, Chandigarh Airport was the first to resume flight services. A statement from the airport confirmed that flights to and from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport had resumed at 10:30 AM. The reopening of airports is expected to ease the backlogs, especially for Haj pilgrims and travelers caught in the closure, as pointed out by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
List of Airports Affected by Closure
The airports impacted by the shutdown include major ones like Srinagar, Amritsar, and Chandigarh, alongside others such as Jammu, Bhuj, Bikaner, and Patiala. A total of 32 airports across northern and western India had been temporarily closed for civil flights due to security concerns arising from the tension at the India-Pakistan border. These closures included airports in regions like Adhampur, Ambala, Awantipur, and more. The list of affected airports also featured several prominent locations, such as Leh, Pathankot, and Rajkot.
Which Airports Were Closed?
Adhampur
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
The resumption of air operations comes after an initial period of uncertainty, where flights were significantly disrupted, especially during the period of heightened conflict. The ceasefire has allowed for a period of relative calm, thus facilitating the reopening of airports. With the reopening, travelers can now expect smoother flight operations and timely updates regarding their schedules.
