Why Have Six Flights Been Cancelled from Patna Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions?

Synopsis
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, six flights from Patna's Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport have been cancelled. The disruptions are due to heightened security measures following recent military actions. Travelers are urged to stay informed about their flight statuses amidst these developments.
Key Takeaways
- Six flights cancelled from Patna due to India-Pakistan tensions.
- Heightened security measures in effect at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport.
- Airlines are providing alternative arrangements for affected passengers.
- Footfall at the airport has decreased by 1,000 passengers.
- All leaves for security personnel have been revoked.
Patna, May 9 (NationPress) Six flights departing from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna have been cancelled until Sunday due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to airport officials, the cancelled flights include routes to Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, and Hindon (Ghaziabad).
This cancellation affects four flights from Indigo Airlines (Bhubaneswar-Patna, Patna-Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh-Patna, and Patna-Chandigarh) as well as two services from Air India Express (Hindon-Patna and Patna-Hindon).
In the past two days, footfall at the airport has decreased by 1,000 passengers.
While the Patna airport remains operational, the cancellations are attributed to increased airspace restrictions and security protocols following precision strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday.
Airlines have reached out to affected passengers, providing alternative arrangements.
Travellers are advised to verify their flight statuses with airlines prior to arriving at the airport. Authorities have confirmed heightened security measures and intensified surveillance to ensure the safety of passengers.
Additionally, the leaves of CISF personnel have been revoked, with all officials directed to report for duty immediately and remain at their posts ready to address any situation that may arise.
Previously, the Bihar government had cancelled all leaves for administrative, police, and health personnel, effective immediately, citing increased security readiness.
This order also encompasses the Disaster Management Department, which is vital in managing both natural and man-made crises.
The Health Department and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure that resources, personnel, and emergency protocols are adequately prepared to respond promptly to any incidents.
A letter detailing these directives has been dispatched to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Department Secretaries, heads of all departments, the Director General of Police, all Divisional Commissioners, and District Magistrates in the state.