India Halts Flights at 27 Airports

NEW DELHI: India has suspended flight operations at 27 airports, disrupting air travel across the country. Over 430 flights were cancelled on Thursday, according to Indian media reports.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the decision. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, stating that the closures would remain in effect until May 10.

Key Airports Affected

The suspension has hit several airports in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Affected airports include:

• Jammu, Srinagar, Leh

• Amritsar, Chandigarh, Patiala, Halwara (Punjab)

• Shimla, Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)

• Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh (Rajasthan)

• Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Mundra, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod (Gujarat)

• Gwalior and Hindon also reported closures.

Many of these airports are dual-use — operating under both civilian airlines and the Indian Air Force.

International Flights Also Affected

Several international flights have faced delays or cancellations. Airlines posted updates on platform X (formerly Twitter), advising passengers to check with carriers before traveling.

No official reason has been given for the abrupt suspension, but it coincides with rising military tensions with Pakistan.

Pakistan Closes Major Airports

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also suspended flight operations at several major airports across the country. According to ARY News, the decision was taken as a security precaution after a reported Indian attack.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed the suspension through a NOTAM. All domestic and international airlines were informed of the closures.

Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad Among Affected Cities

Airports affected include:

• Karachi (Jinnah International Airport)

• Lahore (Allama Iqbal International Airport)

• Islamabad

• Faisalabad

• Sialkot

Incoming flights scheduled to land in Lahore — from Dubai, Jeddah, Sharjah, Muscat, and Madinah — were diverted to Karachi.

Passengers Advised to Contact Airlines

All scheduled flights at these airports have been cancelled until further notice. Authorities have evacuated Lahore and Sialkot airports as a safety measure.

Karachi airport officials stated that passengers were moved to lounges to ensure comfort and security. Travellers have been advised to remain in touch with their airlines for updated flight schedules.

Rising Tensions Behind Closures

The widespread airspace shutdown follows a night-time attack by India on Pakistan, heightening fears of further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Both countries have taken significant steps to secure their airspace, indicating the seriousness of the ongoing conflict. No official diplomatic statements have yet been issued by either side regarding the closures.