In response to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that 32 airports in northern and western India would remain closed for civilian flight operations until 5:29 AM on May 15, 2025. This closure comes in the wake of India’s recent military actions and Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling along the border, intensifying the security situation. The closure is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of air travel in the affected regions.
Temporary Closure of Airports for Civilian Flights
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday, the airports located in proximity to the India-Pakistan border or near significant defense establishments will remain closed until 5:29 AM IST on May 15. Earlier, 24 airports were temporarily closed until May 10 due to heightened security concerns, but the closure was later extended until mid-May due to the ongoing tensions. This decision affects both public and private air travel operations across these regions.
The Ministry mentioned that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other relevant aviation authorities had issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), officially announcing the closure of 32 airports for all civilian flights. This action comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military operation in response to Pakistan’s shelling and the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians lost their lives. The operation targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.
List of Airports Affected
The closure affects a wide range of airports located across different states and Union Territories in northern and western India.
The full list of the 32 airports that will remain closed includes:
- 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 closure of these airports is a significant measure to prevent any potential security breaches during the tense period. The aviation ministry has urged all travelers to stay updated on flight schedules and check with airlines for any changes or cancellations.
India has temporarily shut 32 airports in the northern and western parts of the country due to ongoing tensions with Pakistan. The closure, which will last until 5:29 am on May 15, has impacted civilian flight operations in key regions near the border. The decision follows heightened security concerns after India’s military strikes on Pakistan-based terror camps in retaliation for a terrorist attack on Indian soil.
Airports Affected by Closure
On Saturday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India. This measure, initially imposed on 24 airports near Pakistan’s borders and crucial defense bases, has been extended until May 15 due to escalating tensions between the two countries. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to announce the suspension of all civilian flight operations at these airports during the closure period. The move follows India’s precision airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in early May, marking a significant military response to cross-border terror activities.
Military Strikes and Increased Security Measures
The closure of these airports comes after India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7. The operation was in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians in Kashmir, an act that authorities attributed to Pakistan-linked terrorists. The decision to close the airports reflects India’s heightened security measures and the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of both its civilian and military operations during these critical times. The closures include key airports such as Jammu, Amritsar, and Srinagar, which are strategically important due to their proximity to the border.
As tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan, the temporary suspension of air travel in these regions highlights the growing instability in the area. The aviation ministry’s move aims to mitigate potential security threats while allowing military operations to continue with minimal interference. While the decision impacts civilian air traffic, it underscores the broader national security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
