Airports in India Reopen Following Resolution of Tensions with Pakistan
Resumption of Airport Operations
On Monday, an order that had previously mandated the closure of 32 airports across India until May 15 due to escalating tensions with Pakistan was revoked. This development indicates that flight operations at these airports are set to resume shortly.
The Airports Authority of India announced, “These airports are now open for civil aircraft operations effective immediately.”
The airports affected by this closure included Srinagar, Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra, Keshod, Kishangarh, and Kullu Manali.
Additionally, Pathankot, Patiala, Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sarsawa, Shimla, Thoise, and Uttarlai had also been closed to civilian air traffic since May 7.
It is informed that 32 airports, which were temporarily closed for civil aircraft operations till 05:29 hrs of 15 May 2025, are now available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect.
— News Media (@NewsMedia) May 12, 2025
It is recommended for travellers to check flight status directly with Airlines and… pic.twitter.com/Ljqu5XKePU
IndiGo, an airline company, confirmed on Monday that these airports are now operational in accordance with government directives. The airline stated, “We will gradually resume services on the previously closed routes.” They also cautioned that while operations return to normal, travelers might experience some delays and last-minute changes, advising passengers to regularly check their flight status for updates.
#6ETravelUpdate pic.twitter.com/DfBfSws8l1
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 12, 2025
The decision to reopen the airports followed an agreement reached between India and Pakistan on May 10, aimed at de-escalating four days of military tensions. These tensions had intensified on May 7 when the Indian military executed strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting what it identified as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This military action was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals on April 22. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army engaged in shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.