Delhi Airport Issues Advisory Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions: What Travelers Need to Know
Travel Advisory for Passengers at Delhi Airport
New Delhi: On Sunday, the Delhi Airport released a travel advisory for passengers due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, despite a ceasefire facilitated by the United States.
The advisory, issued at 2:42 AM, confirmed that operations at Delhi Airport are proceeding without major disruptions. However, due to changing airspace conditions and enhanced security measures from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, travelers may experience changes in flight schedules and longer wait times at security checks.
Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through their airlines' communication channels, follow the guidelines for cabin and checked baggage, arrive early to accommodate potential security delays, cooperate fully with airline and security staff for smooth processing, and check flight statuses via their airline or the official Delhi Airport website.
The advisory emphasized, "We strongly recommend that all travelers rely solely on official updates for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content."
In a related event, Pune Airport conducted a scheduled emergency blackout drill on Saturday from 8:25 PM to 8:45 PM. This exercise aimed to assess the airport's readiness for power outages or other emergencies.
During the drill, all lights and power systems were turned off, and airport personnel along with emergency responders enacted emergency protocols. Incoming flights were instructed to circle for 20-30 minutes, while regular announcements were made to keep passengers informed and calm.
According to the latest directive from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 32 airports will be closed for civil flights until the morning of May 15 due to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
Earlier on Saturday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of these airports for all civil flight operations.
This NOTAM is effective from May 9, 2025, to May 14, 2025 (corresponding to 0529 IST May 15, 2025), due to operational requirements.
The list of affected airports includes Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
In light of the escalating situation with Pakistan, drones have been detected at 26 locations, stretching from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the south, along both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), according to defense sources on Friday.
These drones are believed to be armed and could pose threats to both civilian and military targets.
The locations where drones were observed include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala.
This announcement follows Pakistan's provocations against India, particularly after targeting several terrorist sites under Operation Sindoor.
The Indian armed forces have been actively responding to aerial threats, providing a measured and robust counter to Pakistan's escalations.