New Delhi: The temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India, which halted civil aircraft operations from May 9, 2025, was lifted today with immediate effect, allowing air travel to resume after a tense period marked by escalating military confrontations with Pakistan.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and aviation authorities had issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to enforce the suspension, driven by Pakistan’s violation of Indian airspace and intensified cross-border attacks, including drone and missile strikes on Indian cities and military sites.
The reopening, announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation today, enables airlines to restore services at affected airports, though travellers are advised to confirm flight statuses with carriers due to potential scheduling disruptions.
The closure, initially set to end on May 14, affected major hubs and smaller airfields, including 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, and Uttarlai.
The restrictions stemmed from India’s retaliatory strikes on May 7 against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, prompted by a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and was linked to Pakistani militants. Pakistan’s subsequent drone attacks and airspace violations, including strikes on Indian air bases, heightened security concerns, leading to the unprecedented airport closures. Airlines faced significant challenges, with carriers like Air India and IndiGo cancelling flights to these destinations and rerouting others to avoid Pakistani airspace, causing delays and increased fuel costs.
The AAI’s decision to lift the closures reflects a de-escalation in the immediate crisis, but travellers are urged to monitor airline websites for updates as the aviation sector stabilises operations amidst lingering regional tensions.
– global bihari bureau
