Advisory

Massive Flight Disruptions in India Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

Posted on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 by EasyGlobalTrip Team 

In the wake of escalating Indo-Pak tensions following the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir, the Indian Govement has launched a targeted military operation, Operation Sindoor. This has resulted in widespread flight cancellations, airport shutdowns, & rerouting of air traffic by major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Qatar Airways.

Below is a detailed update with everything you need to know as a traveler.

Why are Flights Being Cancelled? 

The primary reason for the sudden air traffic disruptions is the launch of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. Indian forces carried out airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to temporary restrictions on Indian and Pakistani airspace.

This has led the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airlines to temporarily suspend operations at key northe Indian airports as a precautionary measure.

List Of Affected Airports

Airline-Wise Flight Cancellations & Disruptions

1. Air India & Air India Express

Air India, the national carrier, has issued an emergency flight suspension on all routes to and from high-tension zones in northe India. This includes Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. Air India & Air India Express have confirmed that the decision has been made in close coordination with govement directives & the Indian Air Force.

• All flights to Leh, Jammu, and Srinagar have been grounded until further notice.
• Flights that were mid-air to Amritsar were safely rerouted to Delhi.
• Inteational flights inbound to Amritsar are being redirected or rescheduled.
• Domestic connections from Delhi & Mumbai to affected airports are fully suspended.

2. IndiGo Airlines

As India’s largest private airline, IndiGo has been significantly affected by airspace restrictions under Operation Sindoor. IndiGo operates a large network across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, many of which lie in sensitive border regions.

• Flights cancelled to/from: Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Chandigarh.
• Over 60 flights have been grounded or diverted as of May 7, 2025.
• Delhi and Mumbai airports are experiencing cascading delays due to diverted aircraft.

3. SpiceJet

SpiceJet has also suspended a large number of flights to border-region cities & mountainous terrain areas. Known for serving hard-to-reach areas in India, the airline has temporarily shut operations in Dharamshala, Amritsar, Leh, and Jammu.

• Implemented a blanket cancellation of all flights operating from sensitive northe airports.
• On-ground coordination with airport authorities and security forces to assist with crowd control.
• Pre-emptive diversions and rescheduling for incoming flights already airboe.

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has not canceled flights to India but has made major airspace adjustments in its flight paths due to Indo-Pak tensions and Indian airspace restrictions near the northwest corridor.

• Flights that previously passed over northe India and Pakistan are being routed over the Arabian Sea and Central Asia, adding 60–90 minutes to some long-haul flights.
• Inbound flights to Amritsar and Delhi may experience delays or route changes.

Official Statements & Airline Helplines 

Security Measures At Airports 

• Increased military presence at airports near the border.
• Baggage checks and frisking intensified.
• Passengers are requested to arrive 3 hours before departure at unaffected airports.
• No-fly zones were temporarily imposed near sensitive military zones.

How long will this Last? 

• No official end date has been provided yet.
• DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are in constant coordination with the defense and intelligence agencies.
• Travelers should expect disruptions to last at least 48–72 hours, depending on military developments and airspace security.

Expert Quote

“Passenger safety is our highest priority. With airspace curbs and heightened security, all decisions are being made in consultation with the Indian Air Force and airport authorities.”
— Civil Aviation Ministry Spokesperson

Advice For Travelers

• Check your flight status before leaving home
• Reschedule or cancel flights proactively through apps
• Do not travel to closed airports
• Be flexible with plans, especially if traveling to/from northe India
• Follow DGCA or the airline Twitter handles for the fastest updates

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Why are flights being canceled or suspended across India?

A: Flights are being canceled due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Kashmir. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” leading to airspace restrictions and the closure of several northe airports.

Q: Which airports are currently affected?

A: The following airports are either closed or operating with restrictions:

Srinagar (SXR), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Amritsar (ATQ), Chandigarh (IXC), Dharamshala (DHM), Jodhpur (JDH), Rajkot (RAJ), Jamnagar (JGA), Bikaner (BKB), Bhuj (BHJ)

These closures are temporary but indefinite, as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA.

Q: What is IndiGo’s “Plan B,” and how does it help affected passengers?

A: IndiGo’s “Plan B” allows passengers whose flights have been canceled or rescheduled to:

• Change the time and/or date of their flight
• Cancel and process a refund

This can be done at no additional cost. To use Plan B, visit goindigo.in/plan-b.html and enter your PNR/Booking reference number and Email ID/Last name.

Q: Which routes are currently suspended or affected by IndiGo?

A: IndiGo has suspended flights to the following inteational destinations due to airspace restrictions:

• Almaty, Kazakhstan (from April 27 until at least May 7)
• Tashkent, Uzbekistan (from April 28 until at least May 7)

Additionally, approximately 50 inteational routes are experiencing adjustments, including longer flight times and rerouting.

Q: Are inteational flights also affected by these disruptions?

A: Yes, inteational flights are impacted due to airspace closures. Flights to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia are being rerouted, leading to longer travel times and, in some cases, additional fuel stops.

Q: What should I do if my flight has been canceled or rescheduled?

• Check your airline’s official communication for specific instructions.
• Use online tools like IndiGo’s Plan B to manage your booking.

Contact customer service for assistance with rebooking or refunds.

Need Assistance? EasyGlobalTrip Is Here To Help You!

In the wake of sudden flight cancellations and airspace disruptions, planning your jouey can be stressful. That’s where EasyGlobalTrip steps in.

At EasyGlobalTrip, we understand the challenges travelers face during such uncertain times. Whether your flight has been canceled, delayed, or rerouted, we are here to guide you through alteate options, rebooking, and refunds. Contact Us now!!