Operation Sindoor: Major Flight Disruptions Across North India Following Strikes on Pakistan Terror Camps

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor—India’s largest cross-border military action in five decades—flight operations across several northern and western Indian cities have been suspended. The Indian Air Force's precision strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have prompted sweeping airspace restrictions affecting both domestic and international flights.

Flight operations across key northern Indian cities were suspended on 7 May after the Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.

Widespread Disruptions at Key Airports

Civil aviation authorities have halted operations at airports in Dharamshala, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Amritsar, and other border-adjacent areas. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have announced cancellations and issued advisories in light of heightened national security protocols.

Current Status of Affected Airports

Airports under closure or severe restriction include:

• North India: Leh (IXL), Thois (THW), Srinagar (SXR), Jammu (IXJ), Amritsar (ATQ), Pathankot (IXP), Chandigarh (IXC), Dharamshala (DHM), Shimla (SLV)

• West India: Jodhpur (JDH), Jaisalmer (JSA), Jamnagar (JGA), Bhuj (BHJ), Bhatinda (BUP), Rajkot (RAJ), Porbandar (PBD)

These locations are situated near the India-Pakistan border, where airspace security measures have been intensified.

Airline Advisories and Flight Cancellations

• Air India has suspended all operations to and from the affected airports until 05:29 IST on 10 May, following official directives from aviation regulators.

• IndiGo has grounded flights to Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Dharamshala due to changing airspace conditions.

• SpiceJet has cancelled all services to Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala.

• Air India Express has also halted flights on routes connecting Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon.

IndiGo alone has reportedly cancelled over 160 flights as of May 7. The combined daily operations of affected carriers exceed 90 flights, indicating the scale of the disruption.

NOTAM and Security Protocols

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding Indian Air Force exercises on May 7 and 8, especially across Rajasthan and other border zones. This NOTAM coincides with an earlier directive barring Pakistan-registered aircraft from using Indian airspace, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical tension.

Travel Advisory for Passengers

Passengers traveling to or from Northern and Western India are advised to:

• Check flight status frequently with airlines or official airport websites.

• Opt for free rescheduling or full refunds offered by most carriers.

• Allow extra travel time and prepare for last-minute updates.

Why It Matters

Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in India’s counter-terror strategy and reflects a robust national security response. The associated airspace lockdowns are part of a broader framework to maintain civilian safety and support military operations.

Stay tuned for real-time updates on Operation Sindoor and its impact on aviation, travel, and regional security. For video updates and expert insights, subscribe The India Times or IndyaStory YouTube Channel.