The Centre on Friday extended the closure of 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country until May 15 leading to major disruptions in air travel. Airports including Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, Porbander and Bhuj are among others, which have been temporarily closed for civilian flights.
Several airlines have also issued travel advisories for passengers and asked for them to remain updated on airport closures and enhanced security protocols. Air India in a post on X on Friday stated, “Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations — Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot — are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, pending further updates.”
Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.
In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures.
“These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority,” the airline said.
At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), authorities stated that flight operations had been affected due to tightened security protocol. According to sources, over 160 flights to and from the IGIA were cancelled by various airlines on Friday.
“Delhi airport operations remain normal. However, due to evolving airspace conditions and heightened security measures, some flight schedules and security processing timings may be impacted,' Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X on Friday.
DIAL operates IGIA, which is the country's largest and busiest airport. DIAL also advised passengers to be prepared for additional time at security checkpoints and cooperate with airline and security staff for smooth processing.
With security being stepped up at the airports, airlines have asked passengers to reach the airport three hours before departure of domestic flights in the wake of stepping up of checks and other security measures at the airports. “Delhi airport operations remain normal.
Mumbai airport operator MIAL, in a post on X said that in view of enhanced security measures, passengers may experience longer wait times at the airport. “We recommend arriving well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience,” it added.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has earlier instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures. “In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes... So that no untoward incident takes place in the country,” BCAS said in an advisory on Thursday. As part of stepping up security arrangements, the agency has made Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC) compulsory for all flights at all airports.
Generally, it refers to checking passengers and their hand baggage just before boarding a flight. This is in addition to the primary security checks. Besides, the entry of visitors to the terminal building of the airports and the sale of visitor entry tickets have been banned.
The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.
