Operation Sindoor: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled Across India
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, India has imposed airspace restrictions leading to widespread air travel disruption. As of now, 27 airports across northern, western, and central India have been shut for commercial operations until 5:29 AM on May 10, 2025. This unprecedented closure comes following India’s retaliatory strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Flight Cancellations Due to Operation Sindoor
Indian airlines have collectively cancelled over 430 flights, affecting nearly 3% of total scheduled flights. Pakistan has also grounded 147 flights, nearly 17% of their operations. Major Indian carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have suspended services from the affected airports. Delhi Airport alone reported over 140 flight cancellations today.
List of Closed Airports
Here is the list of airports currently closed due to the security alert:
Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot, Bhuntar, Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj, Gwalior, Hindon.
Many of these airports are dual-use, handling both civil and military operations. Some are exclusively military.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is a precision military strike conducted by Indian forces targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and PoK. The action was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. According to officials, the targets were chosen with care to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.
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Why the Airspace Restrictions?
In light of national security, the Indian government has restricted civil aviation over sensitive areas. Platforms like Flightradar24 show a complete vacuum of flights over Pakistan and India’s western corridor, pushing international airlines to reroute over Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
Airlines are offering full refunds or rebooking options to affected passengers. Passengers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may extend restrictions depending on further developments.