India Temporarily Closes 24 Airports Amid Escalating Tensions with Pakistan

New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has temporarily suspended civil flight operations at 24 airports across northern and western regions of the country. This decision follows a series of drone and missile attacks attributed to Pakistan, targeting Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Affected Airports
The airports impacted by this suspension include:
Reuters

Chandigarh

Srinagar

Amritsar

Ludhiana

Bhuntar

Kishangarh

Patiala

Shimla

Kangra-Gaggal

Bathinda

Jaisalmer

Jodhpur

Bikaner

Halwara

Pathankot

Jammu

Leh

Mundra

Jamnagar

Hirasa (Rajkot)

Porbandar

Keshod

Kandla

Bhuj

Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the heightened threat level, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented stringent security protocols across all Indian airports:

Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC): Mandatory pre-boarding inspections for all passengers.

Visitor Restrictions: Entry to airport terminals is restricted to ticketed passengers only.

Increased Surveillance: Enhanced CCTV monitoring and deployment of air marshals on select flights.

Vehicle and Luggage Checks: Thorough inspections of vehicles entering airport premises and random checks of passenger luggage.
Airline Advisories
Major Indian airlines have issued travel advisories in light of these developments:

Air India: Advises passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure; check-in counters will close 75 minutes prior to flight time.

IndiGo: Urges travelers to allow extra time for security checks and formalities.

Akasa Air: Recommends passengers arrive early to accommodate enhanced security measures.
These advisories aim to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety amid the ongoing situation.

Broader Impact
The suspension of operations at these airports has led to significant disruptions in air travel, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airlines are working to reroute flights and assist affected passengers. Travelers are advised to stay updated with airline communications and plan accordingly.The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to make informed decisions regarding the resumption of normal operations.