Ind-Pak tension: India closes 32 airports till May 15

Ind-Pak tension: Given rising tensions with Pakistan, 32 airports in northern and western India will remain closed for civilian flights until May 15. The temporary suspension has been confirmed by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other aviation authorities.

As per the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the restrictions will stay in place until 5:29 AM (IST) on May 15, 2025, due to operational reasons.

List of 32 airports affected by the shutdown:

1. Uttarlai
2. Adampur
3. Ambala
4. Amritsar
5. Awantipora
6. Bathinda
7. Bhuj
8. Bikaner
9. Chandigarh
10. Halwara
11. Hindon
12. Jaisalmer
13. Jammu
14. Jamnagar
15. Jodhpur
16. Kandla
17. Kangra (Gaggal)
18. Keshod
19. Kishangarh
20. Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar)
21. Leh
22. Ludhiana
23. Mundra
24. Naliya
25. Pathankot
26. Patiala
27. Porbandar
28. Rajkot (Hirasar)
29. Sarsawa
30. Shimla
31. Srinagar
32. Thoise

During this period, all civilian flight operations will remain suspended at these airports.

AAI has also closed 25 air routes in the Delhi and Mumbai flight zones as a precaution. The Ministry stated that, according to the latest NOTAM (G0555/25), these route segments will be unavailable from ground level to unlimited altitude until 11:59 PM UTC on May 14 (5:29 AM IST on May 15), and the airlines and private operators have been told to plan alternative flight paths.

The ministry said the decision was taken to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions. Local air traffic control units are coordinating the shutdown.

Air India, one of the major carriers, has cancelled several flights as a result. “Flights to Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are being cancelled until May 15,” the airline said. “We request passengers to check our official social media channels for regular updates, as the situation is fluid.”

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has also stepped up airport security nationwide. Passengers have been advised to reach the airport at least three hours before their flight, as check-in counters close 75 minutes before departure.

Air India further said, “Per Delhi Airport’s guidelines, passengers should be ready for longer wait times at security checkpoints and are urged to cooperate with airline and security staff. Please check your flight status on our website before leaving for the airport.”