Why Are 430 Flights Cancelled and 27 Airports Closed Until May 10?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant disruption, 430 flights have been cancelled in India following Operation Sindoor, affecting 27 airports until May 10. Major airlines are offering refunds and waivers to affected passengers. Learn more about the situation and how it impacts air travel in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 430 flights cancelled affecting travel plans.
- 27 airports closed until May 10.
- Airlines offering full refunds and waivers.
- Significant impacts on northern and western air travel.
- Passengers urged to check with airlines for updates.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) Following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, Indian airlines have grounded approximately 430 flights on Thursday, representing nearly 3% of all scheduled flights in the nation, as 27 airports remain closed until May 10.
Data from the flight tracking service Flightradar24 indicates that the airspace over Pakistan and the western corridor of India is mostly devoid of civilian air traffic.
“The airspace over Pakistan and the western edge of India, stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, is currently free from civilian flights as airlines avoid this sensitive area,” the platform reported, providing real-time flight path data and cancellation statistics.
The list of affected airports includes Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot, Bhuntar, Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj, Gwalior, and Hindon.
On Wednesday, over 300 flights were also cancelled, impacting operations at 21 airports across northern and western regions of India.
In a message posted on X, Air India announced that its contact centers are currently facing high call volumes.
“While our team is diligently assisting customers, please understand that it may take longer than usual to connect. We are committed to providing support. For customers affected by these disruptions, Air India is offering a full refund for cancellations and a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees. This is applicable for tickets booked on impacted flights until May 10, 2025,” the airline stated.
Air India also expressed gratitude for the dedicated service of military and defense personnel.
“In light of the current circumstances, for those with defense fares booked on Air India and Air India Express flights until May 31, 2025, we are providing full refunds for cancellations and a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees up to June 30, 2025, to assist with their duty commitments,” Air India added.
IndiGo has notified passengers that its flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala are being impacted due to the changing airspace conditions.
“To support our customers and accommodate changes in their travel plans, we are extending a full waiver of change and cancellation fees for travel to/from Srinagar until May 22, 2025, for bookings made on or before April 22, 2025,” IndiGo stated in a post on X on Thursday.
SpiceJet has announced that flights to and from Dharamsala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar are suspended until further notice. Akasa Air has also issued a travel advisory in response to the ongoing situation.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the complexities of this situation. With national safety at the forefront, the government's proactive measures are essential. However, the impact on thousands of travelers cannot be overlooked, and we must ensure that they receive the necessary support and information during this challenging time.
NationPress
08/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the flights cancelled?
The flights were cancelled due to the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, leading to the closure of 27 airports for safety reasons.
Which airports are affected?
The affected airports include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and many others across northern and western India.
What compensation are airlines offering?
Airlines like Air India and IndiGo are offering full refunds and waivers on rescheduling fees for impacted passengers.
How long will the airports remain closed?
The airports are expected to remain closed until May 10, 2025, depending on airspace conditions.
What should passengers do if their flight is cancelled?
Passengers should contact their airline for assistance regarding refunds and rescheduling options.
