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Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: 32 airports closed until 15 May as airlines cancel flights amid heightened tensions
In the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has temporarily closed 32 airports across northern and western India to civil flight operations as part of Operation Sindoor. The closure, which began on 9 May, will continue until 05:29 hours IST on 15 May 2025, as per the latest Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India. Which airports are closed? The impacted airports include major hubs such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, and Jodhpur, as well as several smaller but strategically significant locations like Pathankot, Bhuj, and Bikaner. This large-scale closure is aimed at ensuring operational readiness and safety amidst ongoing national security concerns. Airlines respond to extensive flight cancellations Airlines have responded with extensive flight cancellations. Air India announced that its flights to and from affected cities including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and Bhuj would remain suspended through the morning of 15 May. A spokesperson confirmed that passengers holding valid bookings during this period would be eligible for a full refund or a one-time waiver on rescheduling. IndiGo Similarly, IndiGo shared a list of suspended services covering Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, and more, while SpiceJet has halted flights to Leh, Dharamshala, and other destinations. Passengers have been advised to check flight status prior to travelling and contact airline helplines for rebooking or refund options. Air India Express Air India Express, although operating a limited set of routes, has also suspended operations to airports like Amritsar and Jammu until 10 May, with full refunds available and special waivers in place for defence personnel. Tight security checks In addition to flight disruptions, passengers across all Indian airports are facing tighter security checks. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented new measures, including mandatory Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) and a temporary ban on visitor access to terminal buildings. Airlines such as Akasa Air, Air India, and SpiceJet have issued advisories requesting travellers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departures. Delhi and Mumbai airports continue to operate Despite the closures, airports such as Delhi and Mumbai continue to operate, although delays and cancellations are occurring due to enhanced protocols. Delhi alone reported over 130 flight cancellations on Friday. Travellers are encouraged to stay updated through airline websites and helplines as the situation develops. List of the following airports that are shut because of the India Vs Pakistan war tension: Adhampur Ambala Amritsar Awantipur Bathinda Bhuj Bikaner Chandigarh Halwara Hindon Jaisalmer Jammu Jamnagar Jodhpur Kandla Kangra (Gaggal) Keshod Kishangarh Kullu Manali (Bhuntar) Leh Ludhiana Mundra Naliya Pathankot Patiala Porbandar Rajkot (Hirasar) Sarsawa Shimla Srinagar Thoise Uttarlai
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Indian Express
23 flights cancelled at Pune Airport in two days, security stepped up
Twenty-two flights at Pune airport were affected over the last two days due to suspension of operations at certain destination airports. On May 8, 13 flights of IndiGo and SpiceJet were affected. On May 9, nine IndiGo and SpiceJet flights were cancelled. In a statement, the airport said necessary communications have been made to all affected passengers through available channels, including airlines, announcements and digital platforms. It also said passengers affected by flight disruptions were attended to in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Options including full refunds or alternate flight arrangements were offered by the respective airlines, and airport teams were on ground to assist with other support. Increased security measures Pune airport has put in place additional security measures as a precautionary step to ensure safety of passengers, personnel and critical aviation infrastructure. In a press note, the airport authorities said surveillance across all aviation-related installations within and around the airport premises has been intensified. It added that scrutiny of Passenger Name Records (PNR) and cargo manifests had been increased. For secure boarding, Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC) has been made compulsory for all flights. The airport said it had increased vehicle and personnel checks at airport approach roads, terminal entrances and parking areas. Security at the cityside of the airport has been intensified through close coordination with police. Passengers will be also subjected to random baggage checks before entering the terminal, while the baggage screening process through the In-Line Baggage Handling System (ILBHS) is now under heightened monitoring and supervision. Additional precautions are in place for cargo operations, including increased Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) checks for consignments and reinforced surveillance at cargo terminals. Passengers are advised to arrive at airports well ahead of the scheduled time to be able to complete the security check process in time. Flights affected May 9 IndiGo Amritsar-Pune 6E 6129 Chandigarh-Pune 6E 681 Pune-Chandigarh 6E 242 Pune-Amritsar 6E 721 Nagpur-Pune 6E 6659 Pune-Jodhpur 6E 133 Jodhpur-Pune 6E 414 SpiceJet Jaipur-Pune SG 1077 Pune-Bhavnagar SG 1077
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: 27 airports remain shut, 430 flights cancelled; flyers face multiple levels of airport security check
India's air travel network has been jolted into emergency mode following the rising military tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. In response to evolving security threats and fears of retaliation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has announced sweeping restrictions, shutting down 27 airports across northern, north-western, and central India and cancelling over 430 flights. Passenger Advisory issued at 08:35 Hours#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a retaliatory strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has triggered intense security concerns across the country. The civil aviation ministry, acting swiftly, has now raised airport security to the highest level, implementing full-scale emergency measures to ensure civilian safety. Important announcement for passengers traveling though Indian airports All passengers travelling through Indian airports are now required to undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) — a pre-boarding security screening just before entering the aircraft. The directive is applicable to all airports across India with immediate effect. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have already begun enforcing these protocols and issued advisories for passengers to report at least three hours prior to their scheduled flights. What is currently banned? Adding to the new restrictions, visitor entry to terminal buildings has been entirely banned. Sale of visitor tickets has been suspended, and airport operators have been instructed to ensure that all CCTV surveillance systems are fully functional. Deployment of air marshals will now be prioritised and aligned with specific flight risk assessments. The BCAS directive has also placed strict surveillance on all microlight aircraft, drones, paragliders, and unmanned aerial systems. Security guards around parked aircraft have been increased, and airlines have been ordered to scrutinise every PNR, passenger detail, and cargo manifest rigorously. ID verification and random baggage checks will be conducted at multiple points — from the vehicle checkpoint outside terminals to the aircraft gate. A senior aviation official explained that these steps are necessary not just at major airports, but also at every aviation facility in the country. 'Whether it is a helipad, flying school, airstrip or a training institute — the risk is now considered national. We must prepare for any eventuality.' Air cargo on a strict watch Air cargo terminals too have come under strict watch, with non-scheduled flight operations being closely monitored. Airlines have been instructed to enhance security at general aviation terminals and cargo checkpoints. The impact on commercial aviation has been significant. Delhi airport alone cancelled over 140 flights on Wednesday. Air India has suspended services to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 5:29 AM on May 10. IndiGo cancelled over 165 flights including those from Amritsar, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Jammu, and Srinagar, while SpiceJet halted operations in Dharamshala, Leh, and Jammu. Akasa Air and Air India Express have also suspended select services, offering full refunds or free rescheduling for passengers. Notably, special concessions have been offered to defence personnel travelling during this crisis period. Flight tracking services such as Flightradar24 revealed vast empty stretches of airspace over India's western corridor — from Kashmir to Gujarat — usually buzzing with civilian aircraft. As of now, skies remain eerily quiet, underscoring the scale of disruption Operation Sindoor has caused in civilian aviation. What should passengers keep in mind? Arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Carry valid government ID. Expect longer baggage and identity checks. Only one cabin bag up to 7 kg permitted. Monitor flight status continuously for cancellations or rescheduling. As the region remains on high alert, flyers must stay updated through airline advisories and prepare for extensive delays. With diplomacy still at a boiling point and national security on edge, air travel in India now operates under a different set of rules — one where vigilance takes precedence over convenience.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
IndiGo cancels flights to 10 cities, including Srinagar, Leh & Amritsar, till May 10
Following India's 'Operation Sindoor,' heightened security measures have led to widespread flight cancellations and airport closures across northern and northwestern India. IndiGo and other major airlines have cancelled flights to several cities until May 10th. NEW DELHI: IndiGo on Friday announced that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot have been cancelled until 23.59 hours on May 10. With several airports across India shutting down commercial operations in the wake of India's 'Operation Sindoor' on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued a fresh advisory to all airlines and airport operators. The circular mandates enhanced security protocols at all airports across the country. As per the advisory, all passengers will now have to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC). Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones Visitor entry into terminal buildings has been banned. Additionally, deployment of air marshals will be carried out accordingly, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated. In light of these enhanced measures, airlines have asked passengers to arrive at airports well in advance of their scheduled departure time. Air India, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said, 'In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure.' SpiceJet also issued a similar advisory on X, stating, 'In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.' Akasa Air echoed the same, urging passengers to reach airports at least three hours before departure. 'Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding,' the airline said in its advisory. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled or rescheduled by various airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express, as 27 airports in north and north-western India remain closed. The widespread shutdown has significantly disrupted air travel, with 430 flights cancelled on Thursday alone—accounting for nearly 3% of India's total scheduled flights. Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 showed nearly empty skies across the western corridor of India and Pakistan. Full list of closed airports Passengers are advised to carefully plan their travel over the next few days and confirm the status of their flights. Here is the complete list of airports currently shut: Punjab/Himachal/Chandigarh: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Pathankot Rajasthan: Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh: Jammu, Leh Gujarat: Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
Arrive 3 hours early: Airlines urge early arrivals, airports tighten security
Air travel across India will be facing significant disruptions due to heightened cross-border tensions . In response to the volatile situation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated enhanced security protocols at airports nationwide. In order to accommodate increased security inspections, major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued advisories advising travelers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure. Enhanced security measures implemented The BCAS rule includes several stringent limitations to enhance passenger safety. One of the most crucial of them is the implementation of Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC), which requires passengers and their hand bags to undergo an additional security check immediately prior to boarding. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones Additionally, entry for visitors into airport facilities has been limited to lessen possible security risks. Read more: United States' green card to Dubai's golden visa: 10 residency cards in other countries Airlines have promptly communicated these changes to travelers. Air India announced that check-in counters will close 75 minutes before departure, emphasising the need for early arrival. Similarly, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have advised passengers to reach airports well in advance and to carry valid government-issued photo identification for verification purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Download Chrome Symptomdepot Undo Flight operations affected More than 20 airports in northern and western India, including important hubs like Amritsar, have temporarily suspended operations in tandem with the increased security measures. Both domestic and international travel have been impacted by the extensive flight cancellations and rerouting caused by these such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have canceled a number of flights. On certain international flights, detours that skirt Pakistani airspace have resulted in delays of up to four hours. Delhi Airport has said that operations are continuing as usual in spite of these difficulties, while certain aircraft might be affected by the altered airspace and increased security. It is recommended that travelers only rely on official sources for information and check with their individual airlines for the most recent updates. Read more: 6 best places in India to spot leopards (without losing your mind) As a result of the current situation, which has raised concerns worldwide, nations such as Australia have revised their travel recommendations. Many countries have advised their citizens to exercise caution, stay informed, and avoid areas that are prone to conflict when traveling. Given the ongoing geopolitical unrest, travelers are advised to keep up with the most recent events and adjust their travel plans accordingly. In order to prioritize passenger safety and minimize inconveniences wherever possible, airlines and airport authorities are keeping a careful eye on the situation. Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
