Operation Sindoor Fallout: Airports Across Northern India Shut Amid Escalating Tensions

Civilian air traffic disrupted at key northern airports as India tightens airspace following precision strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and PoK.

May 7, 2025: New Delhi – As a direct consequence of India’s precision military strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, several airports across northern India have been shut for civilian traffic until further notice, affecting domestic and international flight schedules.

Also Read: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Responds to Operation Sindoor: “Monitoring Situation Closely”

The move comes just hours after India announced its targeted action in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national.

Also Read: Barmer Erupts in Joy as Operation Sindoor Aims at Terror Hotspots in Pakistan and PoK

Airports Affected

Airports impacted by the shutdown include:

• Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)
• Leh, Jammu, Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Amritsar (Punjab)
• Bikaner (Rajasthan)
• Hindon (Delhi NCR)

Airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express issued advisories on social media, urging passengers to check flight statuses and avoid travel to affected airports.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: “Hope It Ends Quickly” Trump Reacts, UN Calls For Calm

“Due to the ongoing situation…departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted,” SpiceJet said in a statement.

IndiGo also reported disruptions at Bikaner, while Air India cancelled all operations at multiple locations including Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, until 12 noon on May 7, pending further updates. Two international flights bound for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi.

International Fallout & Airspace Reactions

The escalating tension has also affected global carriers. Qatar Airways temporarily suspended its Pakistan operations, citing airspace restrictions imposed by Islamabad. Foreign airlines are now re-routing flights to avoid Pakistani airspace as a precautionary measure.

India Clarifies Intent, Stresses Restraint

In an official statement, India reiterated that its military action was “focused, measured and non-escalatory”, aimed strictly at terror infrastructure.

“No Pakistani military facilities were targeted… we are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the statement read.

Following the Pahalgam massacre, India had earlier taken diplomatic steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking Pakistani visas, and downgrading bilateral ties. In retaliation, Pakistan barred Indian carriers and began closing segments of its airspace.

As the situation continues to evolve, airlines, passengers, and governments remain on high alert, with security protocols activated across strategic civil aviation hubs.

Tags: Operation Sindoor, airport closures, airspace restrictions, India Pakistan tensions, Srinagar airport, Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Pahalgam attack, Qatar Airways, diplomatic escalation, OperationSindoor,