In light of continued security concerns stemming from heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has extended the closure of 24 airports located near India’s western frontier for an additional five days. These airports will now remain shut until 5:29 AM on May 15, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The extended suspension comes following earlier airspace restrictions implemented after India launched precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting multiple Indian states, including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Though Indian defence systems neutralised the threats, precautionary measures have been intensified nationwide.
Airports Affected
The airports affected by the closure span multiple states and Union Territories, including:
- Punjab: Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot
- Himachal Pradesh: Bhuntar, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal
- Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar, Jammu
- Ladakh: Leh
- Rajasthan: Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner
- Gujarat: Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj
- Chandigarh (UT): Chandigarh
Airlines Respond with Cancellations, Refund Options
In response, several airlines have suspended operations to and from the affected airports. Air India announced flight cancellations on routes including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. Impacted passengers are being offered full refunds or a one-time rescheduling waiver.
IndiGo has also called off operations to numerous affected cities and provided online resources for passengers to check flight status, rebook, or request refunds.
Security Measures Heightened
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued directives for enhanced security protocols at all Indian airports. This includes Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), mandatory for every passenger prior to boarding.
Additional measures include:
- Ban on visitor entry into terminal buildings
- Deployment of Air Marshals where deemed necessary
- Advisory for passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled nationwide amid these precautionary steps. The aviation ministry and security agencies continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.