Civil Flight Operations Suspended In These 32 Airports
New Delhi: Civil flight operations have been temporarily suspended at 32 airports across northern and western India due to “operational reasons,” the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced today. The suspension, effective from 9 to 14 May, comes amid heightened security measures following a series of drone attacks and military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Which Airports Are Affected?
The AAI issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) listing the airports where all civilian flights will remain grounded until 14 May (0529 IST on 15 May). The affected airports include:
- 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
- Uttarlai
Additionally, 25 air traffic service (ATS) routes in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) have been closed until 14 May. Airlines have been advised to reroute flights accordingly.
Security Concerns After Drone Attacks
The suspension coincides with escalating border tensions. Last night, Pakistani drones targeted Punjab’s Ferozepur district, injuring three members of a family with burn injuries. Police confirmed that most drones were intercepted by Indian forces.
This marks the third consecutive night of drone incursions, with sightings reported in Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot. The Indian government stated that 300-400 Turkish-made ‘Asisguard Songar’ drones were launched towards 36 locations, likely to test India’s air defences and gather intelligence.
Military Standoff Intensifies
Artillery exchanges and explosions were reported in Jammu, Rajasthan’s Barmer, and Jaisalmer, prompting blackouts in border areas. The Indian Army said it “effectively repulsed” multiple attacks along the western frontier and retaliated against ceasefire violations in Jammu & Kashmir.
The hostilities follow India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on 7 May, where 24 missiles struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
High Alert in Delhi, Blackouts in Punjab
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held emergency security talks with military chiefs today. Delhi remains on high alert, with government staff leaves cancelled. Several Punjab districts have imposed night-time blackouts as a precaution.
What Passengers Should Do
Travellers booked on flights to or from the affected airports are advised to check with airlines for cancellations or diversions. Authorities assure that the measures are temporary but have not confirmed if the suspension will be extended.
(With inputs from ANI and PIB)
