Mumbai: Civil aviation authorities have decided to reopen 32 airports that were shut for civil flight operations following last week’s armed conflict between India and Pakistan, official sources said on Monday.
A formal announcement regarding the resumption of operations at these airports is expected to be announced soon, the sources added.
Civil flight operations from 32 airports across northern and western India, including Srinagar and Amritsar, were suspended from May 9 to May 15 due to the military standoff between India and Pakistan.
Airports in major cities, such as Ambala, Amritsar, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Shimla and Srinagar had remained shut since the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.
On the morning of May 7, India had shut these airports until 5.29 am on May 10. The closure was later extended to 5.29 am on May 15. According to aviation industry sources, about 1,500 flights were scheduled to operate to and from these 32 airports between May 7 and Monday morning. These flights had to be cancelled due to the closure.
IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, on Monday posted on X that in line with the “latest government directives”, the airports were open for flight operations.
“We will progressively commence operations on the previously closed routes. As services gradually return to normal, there may still be a few delays and last-minute adjustments. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as our teams work diligently to restore seamless operations,” it added.
“We recommend checking your flight status regularly… We will continue to keep you informed through our official channels. If you are still reconsidering your travel plans, change and cancellation fee waivers remain available until May 22, 2025, for travel to and from the affected airports,” the airline informed.
