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Government Extends Closure Of 24 Airports Until May 15 Amid India-Pak Tensions

Government Extends Closure Of 24 Airports Until May 15 Amid India-Pak Tensions

Authorities Extends Closure of 24 Airports Till Might 15 Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

New Delhi, India – Might 9, 2025

The Indian authorities has prolonged the closure of 24 airports throughout northern and western India till 5:29 AM on Might 15, 2025, on account of escalating tensions with Pakistan following a sequence of cross-border incidents. The choice, introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, extends the preliminary closure set to finish on Might 10, prompted by Pakistan’s tried drone and missile assaults on Indian territory. The affected airports embrace key cities comparable to Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Leh, Jodhpur, and Bhuj, amongst others.

Background and Escalation

Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after the April 22, 2025, terror assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and was linked to Pakistan-based militants by Indian authorities. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, focusing on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Might 7. Pakistan retaliated on the evening of Might 7-8 with 300-400 drones, recognized as Turkish Asisguard Songar fashions, making an attempt to infiltrate 36 areas alongside India’s western border. Indian air protection techniques intercepted these drones, and heavy artillery shelling by Pakistan throughout the Line of Management (LoC) triggered civilian casualties and property harm in border villages.

The drone assaults, described by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as an try to check India’s air protection techniques and collect intelligence, triggered widespread alarm in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat on account of loud explosions and projectile flashes. Pakistan’s use of Hamas-style missiles additional escalated the battle, prompting India to intensify safety nationwide.

Airport Closures and Impression

The Civil Aviation Ministry issued a Discover to Airmen (NOTAM) on Might 9, extending the closure of the next airports till Might 15: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, and Bhuj. These closures, initially applied on Might 7, intention to make sure civilian security amid airspace restrictions and heightened army exercise close to the Pakistan border.

Airways have confronted important disruptions:

  • IndiGo canceled over 165 flights and introduced that each one operations to and from 10 locations, together with Srinagar, Jammu, and Chandigarh, will stay suspended till Might 15. The airline is providing free rescheduling or full refunds for affected bookings.
  • Air India canceled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot, offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or full refunds for journey throughout this era.
  • SpiceJet and Air India Specific additionally suspended operations to a number of affected airports, urging passengers to examine flight statuses on-line.

At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Worldwide Airport, 66 home departures, 63 arrivals, 5 worldwide departures, and 4 arrivals had been canceled on Might 9 on account of tightened safety protocols. The Delhi Worldwide Airport Restricted (DIAL) acknowledged that operations stay regular however warned of potential schedule disruptions.

Safety Measures and Public Response

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) has mandated enhanced checks, together with Secondary Ladder Level Checks (SLPC) for all passengers, and suggested vacationers to reach at airports three hours early. Customer entry to terminal buildings has been banned, and the Central Industrial Safety Pressure (CISF) has intensified surveillance at essential infrastructure close to border areas.

Public sentiment, as mirrored on X, underscores the gravity of the state of affairs. Posts from customers like @OsiOsint1 and @MithilaWaala highlighted the prolonged closures, with hashtags like #IndiaPakistanWar2025 trending, indicating nationwide alertness. @SwarajyaMag suggested passengers to comply with airline updates and arrive early on account of enhanced safety measures.

Broader Implications

The airport closures coincide with different diplomatic and financial measures, together with India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the one land crossing with Pakistan, and reciprocal airspace bans for one another’s airways till Might 23. Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian carriers has compelled rerouting over China or Sri Lanka, growing flight occasions for routes to Southeast Asia.

The continued battle has disrupted tourism in Kashmir, with cancellations spiking after the Pahalgam assault, and impacted monetary markets, wiping out ₹7 lakh crore in investor wealth over two days. The Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended for every week, and an IPL match in Dharamshala was halted on account of air raid sirens on Might 8.

Trying Forward

The prolonged airport closures mirror India’s prioritization of safety amid an unpredictable escalation. International powers, together with the USA, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, have urged restraint, whereas the United Nations referred to as for diplomatic dialogue. As forensic investigations of the downed drones proceed, India stays on excessive alert, with authorities intently monitoring developments. Passengers are suggested to remain up to date by way of airline advisories and plan journey accordingly.