Airports Shut, Flights Diverted: India’s Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel
Operation Sindoor: Airports Closed, Flights Diverted
Twenty airports in northern and western India have been closed until Saturday morning following India’s military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The closures, part of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ have resulted in widespread flight disruptions, affecting both domestic and international travel.
Airports Affected
The affected airports include Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Bhatinda, Bhuj, Dharamshala, Shimla, Rajkot, Porbandar, Bikaner, Hindon, Kishangarh, Kandla, and Gwalior.
Flights Suspended & Diverted
Airlines have suspended flights to and from these airports until Saturday morning. Several international flights have also been impacted, with many foreign carriers choosing to avoid Pakistani airspace altogether. This has led to longer flight times and route changes. Air India, for example, had to divert two international flights en route to Amritsar to Delhi.
Airlines Respond to Restrictions
Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have issued statements regarding the impact of the airspace restrictions. IndiGo has canceled over 165 flights from multiple airports and is offering passengers the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Air India has canceled flights to and from several affected airports and is providing similar options to passengers. SpiceJet has also announced disruptions to flights due to the airport closures.
Foreign carriers like KLM and United Airlines have also been affected. KLM’s Amsterdam-Delhi flight now takes an hour longer, while the Amsterdam-Mumbai flight is an hour and 15 minutes longer. United Airlines has even canceled its New York-Delhi flight due to the situation.
Singapore Airlines Adjusts Routes
Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, have stopped overflying Pakistani airspace since May 6, 2025, and are using alternative flight paths. This has resulted in slightly longer flight times for some flights.
Ongoing Situation
The situation remains fluid, and airspace restrictions are likely to continue. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and travel advisories. The closure of airports and airspace disruptions highlight the wider geopolitical implications of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
