Following the India-Pakistan tension, 24 airports in 8 states have been closed till May 10. These states are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh.
Along with this, 138 domestic and international flights have been cancelled from Delhi airport in the last two days. Meanwhile, the pressure on Mumbai Air Traffic Control (ATC) has increased. Due to the closure of Pakistan’s airspace, Mumbai ATC is managing flights to Europe, North and South America.
IndiGo Airlines has cancelled all flights to Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Rajkot till 12 midnight on May 10. There is a high alert at Srinagar airport. The Civil Aviation Department has issued a new advisory. Now passengers will have to undergo double security check. In this regard, Air India, Akasa, SpiceJet and IndiGo Airlines have also asked to reach the airport 3 hours earlier.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued an advisory stating that in view of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations. Tensions have further escalated after Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Following which the airports have been closed. The closure of airports is part of a comprehensive security protocol, with many of the affected airports located near the international border or in strategically important areas.
List of 24 airports closed:
Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Patiala, Bathinda, Bhuntar (Himachal Pradesh), Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Kishangarh (Rajasthan), Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot, Kanjhar, Bhuchod), Bhuj
In response to the heightened threat, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to allow extra time for security checks and cooperate with enhanced security checks. The ministry did not clarify the duration of the closure or the reasons behind the move.
The suspension of civil flights is expected to affect connectivity in north and western India, and passengers have been urged to check with airlines before heading to the airport. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has advised all airlines and airports in the country to strengthen security measures.
All passengers at all airports are required to undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), often referred to as a pre-boarding inspection.
Vehicles will be thoroughly inspected at all airport terminals, IDs will be checked before entry, and passengers’ luggage will be searched. Passengers are prohibited from entering the terminal buildings. Air marshals will be deployed accordingly.
In its order, the BCAS said, “In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and the heightened security situation resulting from it, it is necessary to increase security measures at all civil aviation establishments such as airports, airstrips, aerodromes, air force stations, helipads, flying schools and aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Therefore, all stakeholders need to exercise utmost caution.”
Air India said, “Due to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s order to enhance security measures at airports, passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.”
Akasa Air posted a similar notice on X, which said, “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports in the country, passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours before their departure. This is to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”
“Passengers will be required to carry a valid government-approved photo ID to enter the airport. In addition to checked baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be allowed. All passengers will be required to undergo a security check before boarding.”
India’s largest airline IndiGo also issued a statement, “During these unusual times, security measures are being increased at all airports. Passengers are advised to allow additional time for their journey to complete security checks and formalities.” We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, Indian airlines this week suspended flight operations at more than two dozen airports in the country’s northern and western regions.
