DELHI- India’s aviation sector, including IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI), faces disruptions at 24 airports like Srinagar (SXR) and Amritsar (ATQ), affecting 11% of daily domestic flights.
The closures, triggered by India-Pakistan tensions, impact 670 routes through May 10, 2025. Additionally, global affected routes and travel advisories are also issued by international airlines.
Photo- WikipediaIndia-Pakistan Conflict Impact on Airlines
Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure after the Pahalgam attack, led to the closure of 24 Indian airports, including Srinagar (SXR), Chandigarh (IXC), Amritsar (ATQ), Jammu (IXJ), and Leh (IXL).
Industry data reports an 11% drop in daily domestic flights, from 3,265 in April to 2,907 as of May 8, 2025.
FlightRadar24 indicates 670 routes—334 incoming and 336 outgoing—are affected across these airports through May 10.
Delays plague arrivals and departures at major hubs like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR), with departures facing a greater impact.
bcas-IndiaSecurity Measures
The BCAS mandated enhanced security, requiring check-in closure 75 minutes before departure, further complicating operations. It also issued directives for heightened security at all Indian airports, including operational hubs like Delhi, which remains open.
“Operations remain normal, but some flights are impacted due to airspace conditions and security.”
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)
The closures, affecting 11% of India’s daily scheduled flights, reflect a cautious response to cross-border skirmishes and artillery exchanges reported along the Line of Control.
International Traffic
International air traffic remains largely stable, with daily flights dipping slightly from 616 to 604, per FlightRadar24 data.
However, Pakistan’s airspace closure to Indian carriers, including IndiGo (6E) and Air India (AI), forces rerouting over the Arabian Sea, adding 2–2.5 hours to flights from Delhi (DEL) to Europe and North America. Despite these challenges, international operations face minimal cancellations compared to domestic routes.
Photo: Bhavya Velani, Aviation A2ZTravel Advisories
Eight countries—the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, Singapore, Netherlands, and Sweden—issued travel warnings for Jammu and Kashmir and areas near the India-Pakistan border, including Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The U.S. advised against travel to Jammu and Kashmir and urged citizens in conflict zones to depart or shelter, citing risks from ongoing hostilities. These advisories reflect global concerns over the potential for escalation following India’s missile strikes.
Photo- AMISOM Public Information | Wikimedia CommonsStrategic Response
The airport closures, affecting cities like Pathankot (IXP) and Mundra, stem from India’s military response to an April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam.
Pakistan’s airspace ban, effective until May 25, 2025, disrupts 70–100 daily Indian flights, costing Indian carriers millions in fuel and operational expenses.
While domestic disruptions are significant, airlines are adapting by prioritising operational hubs and offering passenger support. The situation remains fluid, with potential extensions of airport closures depending on de-escalation efforts urged by the United Nations and the U.S.
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Indian Airlines Cancels Over 100 Flights Amid Tensions with Pakistan
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