Are IndiGo and Air India Resuming Flights at Reopened Airports?

New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) India's leading airlines, IndiGo and Air India, announced on Monday that they are making efforts to gradually resume flight operations at 32 airports that have been reopened by the government following a reduction in tensions along the Pakistani border.

According to IndiGo's statement, "In accordance with the latest government guidelines, the airports are now operational. We will start flights on routes that were previously suspended."

“As operations start returning to normal, there might still be some delays and last-minute changes… our teams are committed to ensuring a smooth transition back to regular services,” the airline added.

IndiGo advised travelers to frequently check their flight statuses for the most current information.

For those reconsidering their travel plans, the airline is offering waivers for change and cancellation fees until May 22 for flights to and from the affected airports.

Air India also stated that in light of the aviation authorities' announcement regarding the reopening of airports, it is actively working on resuming flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot.

The Tata Group airline indicated that its teams are focused on normalizing operations at these locations. Air India also encouraged its passengers to “stay tuned for additional updates.”

As per a statement from the Airports Authority of India, the 32 airports, previously closed until May 15, “are now available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect.”

“Travelers are encouraged to verify flight statuses directly with the airlines and to check the airline's websites for regular updates,” the statement continued.

The Centre issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on Monday to reopen the 32 airports that had been closed since May 9 due to cross-border drone and missile attacks amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam massacre involving 26 tourists at the hands of Islamabad-backed terrorists.

Airports set to gradually reopen include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, and Bhuj.

These airports will reopen in phases, as the government is cautious despite the ceasefire following the Pakistan DGMO’s (Director General of Military Operations) request being largely upheld.

“The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir and other regions along the International Border. No incidents were reported, marking a calm night after days of unrest,” stated the Indian Army on Monday.

The reopening of these airports near the Pakistan border signifies a reduction in cross-border hostilities, which had seen India successfully launch Operation Sindoor to respond to the Pahalgam killings.

This reopening is expected to aid in restoring normal flight operations, which have faced significant disruptions due to the ongoing conflict.