Key Points:
- More than 200 flights cancelled and at least 18 airports-including Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and Chandigarh-temporarily closed after Indian missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
- Airlines affected include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and several international carriers.
- IndiGo alone cancelled over 165 flights; Delhi airport saw at least 35 cancellations and delays.
- Passengers are eligible for full refunds or free rescheduling; airlines urge travelers to check flight status before heading to airports.
- International flights diverted or suspended; Qatar Airways halted flights to Pakistan due to airspace closure.
New Delhi: Flight operations across northern and western India faced unprecedented disruption on Wednesday after the Indian armed forces launched precision missile strikes-codenamed Operation Sindoor-on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes, which targeted key strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were a direct response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Airports Closed, Flights Cancelled
As a security precaution, at least 18 airports-including Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Jamnagar-were temporarily shut. The Airports Authority of India imposed airspace restrictions, resulting in the cancellation of more than 200 flights by major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and several foreign airlines. IndiGo alone grounded over 165 flights from affected airports, while Air India and SpiceJet also suspended services on key northern routes.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the country’s busiest, saw at least 35 cancellations and numerous delays, with both domestic and international operations impacted. International carriers, including Qatar Airways, temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan, and several inbound flights were diverted to Delhi or rerouted to avoid Pakistani airspace.
Passenger Support and Refunds
Airlines have issued advisories assuring passengers of full refunds or free rescheduling for affected bookings. IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express confirmed that travelers can opt for a one-time waiver on rebooking fees or receive a complete refund, with similar offers from other carriers. Passengers are urged to check real-time flight status before heading to the airport as further schedule adjustments are possible.
Ongoing Monitoring
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as military readiness remains high and airspace restrictions are reviewed. The disruptions are expected to last until at least the early hours of May 10, with airlines and airports working to minimize inconvenience and keep passengers informed.
Operation Sindoor’s impact on aviation underscores the scale and seriousness of India’s response to cross-border terrorism, with ripple effects felt far beyond the battlefield.
Summary Table: International Flight Impacts
| Effect | Examples/Details |
|---|---|
| Rerouting | Most international flights avoiding Pakistani airspace; longer flight times |
| Cancellations | United Airlines (New York-Delhi), Qatar Airways (to Pakistan), others |
| Diversions | Air India flights to Amritsar diverted to Delhi |
| Delays | Increased flying time (KLM: +1 to +1.15 hours for India-bound flights) |
| Airport closures | 18+ Indian airports shut, affecting international connections |
| Passenger advisories | Airlines offering full refunds or free rescheduling for affected flights |
In summary: International flights are facing cancellations, diversions, longer routes, and delays due to both Indian and Pakistani airspace restrictions, with major disruptions expected to continue until at least May
