India has reopened all 32 airports that were shut amid heightened tension with Pakistan. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed on Friday that civil flight operations have resumed across all affected locations.
Gradual Reopening After Conflict Escalation
The closures were enforced last week as a precautionary security measure following cross-border hostilities. Amid airspace alerts and escalated military movements, domestic and international flights were suspended at several key airports.
Over the past few days, as tensions gradually eased, the government initiated a phased reopening process. Security agencies gave clearance for operations based on ground intelligence and safety audits.
By Thursday evening, most airports in North India including Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Srinagar, and Leh had already resumed partial operations. The remaining airports, including those in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, followed suit by Friday morning.
List of Airports Now Operational
The AAI reported that flight services have resumed at:
- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh
- Amritsar, Pathankot, Adampur, Bathinda, Halwara
- Chandigarh, Ambala, Sirsa, Hisar
- Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur
- Dehradun, Pantnagar, Pithoragarh
- Agra, Bareilly, Hindon, Gwalior
- Delhi (Palam and IGI)
- Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi
- Ludhiana, Sahnewal, Suratgarh
- Udhampur, Kargil
Airlines have started reassigning flights and updating schedules. Passengers are advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport.
Government Monitoring Continues
While operations have resumed, airspace and radar zones remain under strict monitoring. Civil Aviation officials stated that security protocols will remain elevated until the situation stabilises completely.
AAI also assured that contingency plans are in place should there be any sudden developments. Defence and civil aviation authorities continue to work in coordination to ensure passenger safety.
Industry Reacts
The temporary shutdown had impacted both civilian travel and cargo transport. Industry experts estimate a combined loss of over ₹200 crore due to cancellations, delays, and rerouted flights.
Travel portals and airline call centres witnessed a surge in traffic from passengers seeking rescheduling and refunds. Several airlines have waived rescheduling charges and are offering travel credits.
Cautious Return to Normal
Despite the resumption of flights, experts warn against assuming total normalcy. With diplomatic conversations still ongoing and border areas under alert, the aviation sector is expected to function under heightened caution.
Airlines, security agencies, and AAI will continue to assess operations on a real-time basis. Any new conflict-related developments could trigger partial or complete closures again.
For now, passengers can breathe a sigh of relief as commercial air travel returns across all previously affected zones.
