The impact of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory airstrike on Pakistan-based terror camps, reached Indian airports on Wednesday. A total of 11 airports across North India were shut temporarily, disrupting air traffic across the region.
The operation was launched after the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. On May 6, Indian Air Force jets struck nine key terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad—known centres for Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Which Airports Were Closed?
Airports that faced closures or partial shutdowns include:
- Srinagar
- Jammu
- Leh
- Amritsar
- Chandigarh
- Adampur
- Bathinda
- Pathankot
- Ambala
- Hindon (Ghaziabad)
- Delhi (restricted movements)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued instructions to suspend commercial operations. Military aircraft and emergency services were allowed during this period.
What Happened to Flights?
Passengers travelling with Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet faced widespread cancellations. Airlines updated flyers through apps and social media. Several international flights, including those operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa, were rerouted to avoid Pakistani and North Indian airspace.
Aviation officials confirmed that dozens of flights were diverted to airports in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, leading to massive delays.
Why the Shutdown?
Sources indicate that the airport closures were a pre-emptive security measure taken by Indian authorities to prevent Pakistani retaliation and avoid civilian risks during ongoing military operations.
There has been no official statement from the Ministry of Defence, but the coordinated airspace lockdown strongly suggests strategic planning linked to the Indian airstrikes.
When Will Normalcy Return?
By Wednesday evening, the DGCA began a phased reopening of the affected airports. Srinagar and Leh were among the last to resume services due to their sensitive location.
Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport. Full normalcy is expected over the next 24–48 hours, depending on security assessments.
Operation Sindoor: A Broader Impact
The decision to temporarily halt flights demonstrates the seriousness of India’s military response to terrorism and the scale of Operation Sindoor. Apart from air travel disruption, it has drawn international attention and led to global calls for de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
