India has temporarily suspended civil flight operations at 32 airports and 25 air route segments across northern and western regions due to operational reasons, causing widespread travel disruptions. The suspension, effective from 9th May to 14th May 2025 (up to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025), has been confirmed through a series of NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated aviation bodies.
Airports Affected by the Suspension
The following 32 airports are completely closed to civil flights for the duration of the NOTAM period:
Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, Uttarlai.
All civilian flight activity at these airports will remain suspended until the NOTAM expires.
Air Routes Also Closed
In addition to airport closures, 25 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route segments in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) are now off-limits. As per NOTAM G0555/25, which supersedes the earlier G0525/25, these segments will remain closed from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on 14th May 2025 (which corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025).
Airlines and Operators Advised to Re-route
The AAI has coordinated with Air Traffic Control (ATC) units to manage rerouting and ensure passenger safety while minimising operational disruptions. Airlines have been advised to plan alternate routes based on the latest advisories.
No official reason has been publicly disclosed beyond the mention of “operational reasons.” However, the scale and timing of the closures indicate coordinated airspace management, possibly linked to national defence or security exercises.
