Flight services were disrupted across several Indian cities on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as tensions flared near the India-Pakistan border. Airlines IndiGo and Air India cancelled multiple flights in what they called a response to “latest developments.”
Destinations impacted included Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Rajkot, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and other border-sensitive locations. In these areas, even minor escalations often lead to heightened alerts. This time, it wasn’t weather or technical issues, it was geopolitics in action.
Behind the Shutdown: Operation Sindoor
The cancellations followed alerts issued under Operation Sindoor, a classified military protocol. While officials have remained tight-lipped about the specifics, multiple sources pointed to increased drone activity and surveillance across India’s western border.
The operation is believed to be a pre-emptive step to ensure civilian safety as security forces remain on high alert.
Temporary Turbulence, Long Wait
While some airports resumed operations later that day, the sudden cancellations left hundreds stranded, especially in cities with limited flight frequencies. Travellers had little time to prepare or rebook.
Airlines issued advisories and offered refunds or alternate options, but the uncertainty around further restrictions kept both passengers and operators cautious.
Official Silence Fuels Speculation
So far, there has been no official statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or defence authorities regarding the extent of the threat.
This continued silence has only fuelled speculation, as such large-scale disruptions tied to national security are rare.
For now, flights have resumed in most cities, but authorities are reportedly keeping a close watch on the region as tensions remain.
