27 Airports Shut Down Across India; Over 300 Flights Cancelled as Security Tightens

New Delhi: In a sweeping security move following India’s missile strikes under Operation Sindoor, 27 airports across the country have been temporarily shut down, affecting flight operations on a large scale. Over 300 flights have been cancelled by various domestic and international airlines as the nation remains on high alert.
The closures, which will remain in effect until May 10, are primarily focused on airports near sensitive border regions. The affected states include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. In several cases, operational control of the airports has been handed over to the Indian Air Force to manage heightened security protocols.
Airports impacted by the shutdown include: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Krishnaghat, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamshala, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj, Thoise Air Force Station in Ladakh, Gwalior, and Hindon.
In Delhi, the national capital, special security directives have been issued at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with authorities urging passengers to stay updated and contact airlines for the latest information regarding their travel plans.
Major domestic carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have either cancelled or rerouted several flights. IndiGo alone has reportedly cancelled over 165 flights. International airlines have also suspended or diverted services due to the heightened alert.
The drastic measures follow India’s early morning missile strikes on Wednesday targeting nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The coordinated offensive, dubbed Operation Sindoor, marks a significant escalation in India’s counter-terrorism strategy.
Passengers are advised to check with airline customer care or official websites before heading to the airport, as disruptions are expected to continue until further notice.