Airports shut, flights cancelled: How Operation Sindoor has impacted air travel in north India - check airlines advisory

Operation Sindoor impact on air travel: Several airlines have suspended air travel to parts of northern India and some airports are shut as India struck Pakistan terrorist camps early Wednesday as part of Operation Sindoor.Over 200 flights have been cancelled after missile strikes targeted terrorist locations in Pakistan and PoK. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, along with several foreign carriers, have suspended multiple services due to the resulting airspace restrictions.In the national capital of Delhi, at least 35 flights to and from have been cancelled since 12 am, a source said, further adding that 23 domestic departures and eight arrivals were also cancelled. At least 18 airports in the northern and western parts of the country have been temporarily shut, as per sources cited by PTI. Besides, four international departures were cancelled. Foreign carriers, including American Airlines, cancelled some of their services from the Delhi airport. With several airports shut, and others impacted amid airspace restrictions in place, dozens of flights have been cancelled or rerouted. Here’s a list of airlines that have suspended operations in response to the escalating situation, and the alternative arrangements they’ve announced for affected passengers.Below is a list of airports which have been temporarily shut down, as directed by the government:KishangarhSrinagarChandigarhAmritsarPatialaShimlaGaggalBhatindaJaiselmerJodhpurBikanerHalwara PathankotJammuLehThoiseLudhianaBhuntarThe Bhuj and Rajkot airports are also said to remain closed for civilian aircrafts till 10 May, as per PTI.IndiGoIndia's largest airline by market share, cancelled more than 165 domestic flights, including all services to and from high-alert zones such as from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Gwalior, Kishangarh, and Rajkot until 5:29 am on May 10, as per government directives.The airline warned passengers that changes in flight schedules across the network are likely and urged travellers to check updates before heading to airports. The airlines, in its travel advisory, also offered alternate options and refund claims which could be managed through their website.Air India Air India, “in the view of the prevailing situation,” cancelled all its flights from and to Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot. It also re-routed two international flights en route headed for Amritsar, to Delhi. “Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on closure of these airports.The airline also announced that passengers with valid tickets for travel during this period will be eligible for a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or can opt for a full refund in case of cancellation.Alliance AirThe government owned airline cancelled operations to and from the city of Amritsar, Bhuj, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Dharamshala and Shimla. It also urged passengers to check the latest updates before heading to the airport.“In view of evolving airspace restrictions, Alliance Air flights to/from Amritsar, Bhuj, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Dharamshala & Shimla stands cancelled for the day,” it said.SpiceJetThe airline confirmed airport closures in northern cities such as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Kangra and Kandla, warning that “departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted.” It also said that the passengers affected due to the closures can either opt for a full refund or alternate flight, as per the availability.“Due to ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted,” it said.Air India ExpressAIX also suspended flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon till 10 May until 05:30 on 10th May 2025.. “In keeping with prevailing restrictions, multiple flights on our network are impacted,” the airline posted on social media platform X. However, it provided passangers with a full refund or free rescheduling for the cancelled flights.Akasa Air The airline cancelled its Srinagar operations, citing the airport’s complete closure for civil flights. “Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Srinagar airport has been closed for civil operations,” it said, urging the passengers to check the flight status before heading for the airport.