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Airspace Restrictions Lifted: 32 Airports Resume Operations after Tensions between India-Pakistan Ease
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Monday announced the reopening of 32 airports across northern and northwestern India that were temporarily closed due to heightened tensions with Pakistan. The airspace restrictions had been imposed in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military campaign involving airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The airports now open for civil aviation includes key hubs such as Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Amritsar. AAI confirmed the development in a statement issued earlier in the day.
“Attention Flyers; reference notice issued for temporary closure of 32 Airports for civil Aircraft operations till 05:29 hrs of 15 May 2025. It is informed that these Airports are now available for civil Aircraft operations with immediate effect,” read the statement from the Airports Authority of India.
The authority has advised passengers to directly check flight status with their respective airlines and monitor official airline websites for regular updates.
In addition to the three major airports, the list of reopened facilities includes Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Adampur, Ambala, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Halwara, Hindon, Jammu, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
Several commercial airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, have confirmed the resumption of services at the affected airports. Airlines and airport authorities are currently coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth return to regular operations. This includes the reallocation of flight slots, redeployment of staff, and the management of passenger flow.
The closure of airports initially impacted 24 locations and was later extended to 32. A series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) were issued on Saturday announcing the temporary suspension of civil aircraft operations due to security concerns.
Flight-tracking platforms had shown significantly reduced air traffic in border regions following Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the brutal killing of 26 civilians by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Baisaran near Pahalgam on 22 April. Both countries announced a ceasefire on Saturday, however Pakistan had violated the agreement on that night. Sunday saw no military activity from bhoth sides, leading to the opening of airports.
Pakistan responded to the Indian strikes by launching missile and drone attacks on both military and civilian targets in India. Indian air defence systems reportedly neutralised these threats.
India had previously suspended access to its airspace for Pakistani carriers on 30 April, citing the Pahalgam massacre as the trigger. Pakistan, in turn, denied any involvement in the attack and called for an impartial investigation.
