In a significant move indicating heightened military alertness, India has extended the closure of 32 airports in northern and western regions until May 15, following an initial shutdown till May 10 due to tensions with Pakistan.
Key Details:
✔ Affected Airports: Major civilian airports like Srinagar, Chandigarh, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Bhuj are among the 32 shut down.
✔ Reason: “Operational requirements” – widely interpreted as military preparedness amid ongoing tensions.
✔ Airspace Restrictions: 25 ATS (Air Traffic Service) routes in Delhi & Mumbai FIRs (Flight Information Regions) remain closed until 05:29 AM IST on May 15.
✔ Alternative Routes: Airlines advised to reroute flights.
Full List of Closed Airports (Till May 15, 2025)
| Northern India | Western India |
|---|---|
| 1. Adampur (Jalandhar) | 16. Bhuj (Gujarat) |
| 2. Ambala (Haryana) | 17. Bikaner (Rajasthan) |
| 3. Amritsar (Punjab) | 18. Jamnagar (Gujarat) |
| 4. Awantipur (J&K) | 19. Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) |
| 5. Bathinda (Punjab) | 20. Jodhpur (Rajasthan) |
| 6. Chandigarh | 21. Kandla (Gujarat) |
| 7. Halwara (Punjab) | 22. Keshod (Gujarat) |
| 8. Hindon (Ghaziabad) | 23. Kishangarh (Rajasthan) |
| 9. Jammu | 24. Mundra (Gujarat) |
| 10. Kangra (Dharamshala) | 25. Naliya (Gujarat) |
| 11. Kullu Manali (Bhuntar) | 26. Porbandar (Gujarat) |
| 12. Leh (Ladakh) | 27. Rajkot (Hirasar) |
| 13. Ludhiana (Punjab) | 28. Uttarlai (Rajasthan) |
| 14. Pathankot (Punjab) | |
| 15. Patiala (Punjab) | |
| 16. Srinagar (J&K) | |
| 17. Thoise (Ladakh) | |
| 18. Sarsawa (Uttar Pradesh) | |
| 19. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) |
Why Are These Airports Closed?
- Military Movements: Likely linked to Operation Sindoor aftermath and continued high alert along Pakistan border.
- Drills & Readiness: Possible air force exercises or strategic deployments.
- Precautionary Measure: Preventing civilian-military airspace conflicts.
Impact on Travel & Aviation
✈ Flight Disruptions: Airlines rerouting via central/southern India.
🛫 Delays Expected: Longer flight paths may increase travel time.
🚫 No Civilian Operations: Charter flights, private jets also affected.
What’s Next?
- Will Closure Extend Further? Depends on security assessments.
- Diplomatic Fallout: Pakistan may raise issue in international forums.
