Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : New Delhi, May 7, 2025 — In the aftermath of India's military action, Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), significant disruptions have been reported in air travel across northern India. The operation, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, has led to the cancellation of over 200 flights and the temporary closure of multiple airports

As of Wednesday morning, approximately 160 domestic flights operated by IndiGo were cancelled, alongside at least 20 flights at Delhi airport. Air India confirmed that all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot were cancelled until 12 noon on May 7, pending updates from authorities. Additionally, two international flights en route to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi as a precautionary measure

The Delhi Airport issued an advisory stating, "Due to changing airspace conditions, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport. For updated flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines or visit our official website."

Flight tracking data indicated a significant reduction in civilian aircraft activity north of Delhi, particularly in areas close to the Pakistan border. Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air issued advisories warning of potential delays and cancellations for flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner.

The airspace restrictions have also impacted international carriers. Several Asian airlines have rerouted or cancelled flights to and from Europe to ensure passenger safety. Over 50 commercial flights were cancelled, and more than two dozen were diverted to avoid Pakistani airspace. Airlines affected include Taiwan’s EVA Air, Korean Air, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines, all of which announced schedule changes to circumvent the conflict zone.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not yet issued a formal statement, but airlines are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to passengers. Travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and potential disruptions.

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, the aviation industry faces significant challenges in maintaining operations while ensuring passenger safety. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.