Key Points
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has extended the closure of 28 airports across northern, western, and central India until 5:29 am on May 15, 2025, following Pakistan’s large-scale drone and missile attacks.
- Airports in major cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and others are affected, disrupting hundreds of flights and impacting thousands of travelers.
- Airlines including IndiGo and Air India have issued advisories, offering full refunds or free rescheduling for affected passengers.
- The closure comes after India’s air defenses successfully intercepted and neutralized up to 400 Turkish-made drones targeting 36 Indian military bases during the night of May 8–9.
- The government emphasizes that these are precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions and ongoing Operation Sindoor.
New Delhi: In an unprecedented move reflecting the seriousness of the current Indo-Pak conflict, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered the closure of 28 airports across the country until 5:29 am on May 15, 2025. This sweeping decision comes in the wake of Pakistan’s failed attempt to target multiple Indian cities and military bases with a swarm of up to 400 drones and several missiles late on May 8.
Which Airports Are Closed?
The affected airports span key regions in northern, western, and central India, including:
- Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar, Jammu
- Ladakh: Leh
- Punjab: Amritsar, Chandigarh
- Himachal Pradesh: Dharamshala
- Rajasthan: Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Rajkot
- Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot
- Others: Several more regional airports are included in the extended closure.
These closures have led to the cancellation and rescheduling of hundreds of flights, with Delhi airport also reporting significant disruptions.
Airlines Issue Advisories, Waive Charges
Major carriers like IndiGo and Air India have responded by issuing travel advisories and offering one-time waivers on rescheduling fees or full refunds for passengers booked during the closure period. IndiGo, for example, has cancelled all flights to and from the affected airports and assured passengers of full support and assistance.
“These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority. We remain fully committed to providing unwavering support while navigating this situation together,” IndiGo said in a statement.
Why the Closures? Security First Amid Operation Sindoor
The decision follows a night of intense cross-border hostilities. On May 8, Pakistan launched a coordinated attack using 300–400 Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones and missiles, targeting 36 Indian military bases and infrastructure sites from Leh to Sir Cree. Indian air defense systems, including the S-400 and other anti-drone technologies, successfully intercepted and neutralized the majority of these threats, preventing major casualties or damage.
Military officials revealed that the Pakistani drone swarm was likely intended to test India’s air defenses and gather intelligence. The Indian Army and Air Force responded swiftly, shooting down drones and intercepting missiles, while also launching targeted retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military assets.
Impact on Passengers and the Aviation Sector
The airport closures have caused widespread disruption for travelers, especially in the northern and western regions. Airlines have urged passengers to check flight status regularly and arrive early at airports that remain operational. Both domestic and international travel plans have been affected, with thousands of passengers seeking refunds or alternative arrangements.
What’s Next?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and security agencies are closely monitoring the situation. The closures may be extended further if tensions persist or new threats emerge. Passengers are advised to stay updated through official airline and government channels for the latest information.
India’s aviation sector has taken robust precautionary steps in response to the unprecedented drone and missile attacks from Pakistan. With 28 airports shut and air travel heavily disrupted, the government and airlines are prioritizing passenger safety while maintaining readiness for further developments in the ongoing conflict.
