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International Desk, May 10, 2025 : India has temporarily closed 32 civilian airports in response to escalating tensions and fears of missile strikes from Pakistan.
The decision was announced early Saturday through a joint statement by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The closure will remain in effect until May 15, 2025, halting all flight operations at these airports.
The affected airports, primarily located in northern and western India, include Adampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra, Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali, Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Nalia, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sarasawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Doise, and Uttarlai.
In addition, the DGCA has extended the suspension of 25 air traffic service routes within the Delhi-Mumbai Flight Information Region (FIR) until May 15, 2025, to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. Airlines have been instructed to operate on alternative routes during this period.
The closures follow heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed 28 civilians, mostly tourists. In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 6, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab. Pakistan responded with “Operation Bunyan ul Masroos” on May 9, striking 11 Indian military installations.
The Indian government’s decision to close the airports reflects concerns over potential Pakistani retaliatory strikes. Authorities are coordinating with air traffic control to ensure passenger safety and reduce inconvenience.
AI/MR
