India Shuts 18 Airports Across its Northern and Western regions
India closed 25 flight routes over Indian airspace into Pakistan until May 10, 2025.
In a significant escalation of tensions with Pakistan, India has temporarily shut down 18 airports across its northern and western regions, including major hubs such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, and Pathankot.
Alongside this, India has closed 25 international flight routes that pass through its airspace en route to Pakistan, effective from the afternoon of May 7, 2025, until at least the early morning of May 10, 2025.
The temporary closure of airports and airspace is a precautionary measure to enhance security and prevent civilian aircraft from being mistaken for military planes during this period of heightened alert.
The closures have caused widespread disruption, with over 200 flights cancelled by both domestic and international airlines. Major Indian carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have been significantly affected, with IndiGo alone cancelling around 165 flights.
International airlines, including Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, KLM, and Singapore Airlines, have rerouted or suspended flights to avoid the restricted airspace, resulting in longer travel times and operational challenges.
The unprecedented restrictions underscore the severity of the current India-Pakistan standoff, reflecting the fragile security situation following recent militant attacks and military responses.
Authorities have assured that the closures are temporary and aimed solely at safeguarding civil aviation while the situation remains volatile.
