Flight Mayhem: Air India and IndiGo Ground Flights to Northern and Western India
Flight Cancellations Cause Travel Chaos in North and West India
Major Indian airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have suddenly cancelled flights to several cities in the north and west of the country, citing ‘developments and security concerns.’ Both airlines emphasized that passenger safety is their top priority. This news comes just hours after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reopened 32 airports in the same region that were temporarily closed due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
Air India Suspends Flights to Multiple Destinations
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, announced the cancellation of flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot on Tuesday, May 13th. They urged passengers to check their flight status on their website or app and offered contact information for further assistance.
IndiGo Follows Suit, Cancels Flights to Key Cities
IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, followed suit, suspending flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot. While the airlines didn’t specify the exact nature of the ‘developments,’ both hinted at a precautionary measure based on evolving security or operational situations.
IndiGo expressed regret for the disruption to travel plans and reassured passengers that their teams are closely monitoring the situation, promising to provide updates promptly. They also encouraged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
AAI Reopens Airports After Closure
Earlier on Monday, the AAI announced the reopening of 32 airports across northern and western India for civilian flights. This decision came three days after the temporary closure of these airports was extended until Thursday, May 15th, amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Security Concerns in Jammu and Kashmir
Adding to the tension, the Indian Army reported that a small number of drones were spotted on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba region. Security forces engaged with the threat, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the region.
