India-Pak tensions: Centre extends closure of 24 airports till May 15; airlines issue fresh advisories

The Centre has announced an extension of the closure of 24 airports across the country until 15 May amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. This decision follows a notification from the Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday, initially setting the closure until May 10. The extension comes in response to increasing hostilities between New Delhi and Islamabad, following a foiled drone attack by Pakistan's military. The affected airports are located in key cities such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Jammu, among others. 

The following airports will remain closed until May 15:

Chandigarh
Srinagar
Amritsar
Ludhiana
Bhuntar
Kishengarh
Patiala
Shimla
Kangra-Gaggal
Bathinda
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Bikaner
Halwara
Pathankkot
Jammu
Leh
Mundra
Jamnagar
Hirasar
Porbandar
Keshod
Kandla
Bhuj

These steps are precautionary measures amid airspace restrictions and increased security measures due to recent missile and drone activity in Pakistan.

Air India, one of the major carriers affected by these closures, has issued travel advisories to its passengers. The airline confirmed, "Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, pending further updates." To accommodate affected passengers, Air India has offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.

IndiGo's fresh statement

"In accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, please be advised that all flights to and from the following destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on 15th May 2025 due to temporary airport closures: Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority. We remain fully committed to providing you with unwavering support while navigating this situation together," said IndiGo.

SpiceJet's fresh statement

"Due to the ongoing situation, our flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla & Amritsar are cancelled till 10th May’25 up to 2359 hrs. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to our valued passengers and appreciate your understanding," said SpiceJet.

Tensions further escalated on Thursday night when Pakistan launched 300-400 drones, which were intercepted by India's air defence systems. This incident caused alarm among residents in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat due to loud explosions and projectile flashes. Furthermore, Pakistan’s military engaged in heavy artillery shelling across the Line of Control, leading to loss of life and property in border villages. These developments have significantly strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.