New Delhi: In the wake of India’s successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, domestic airlines have cancelled approximately 430 flights as of Thursday—accounting for nearly 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights—as 27 airports remain shut until May 10.
According to data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, civilian air traffic over Pakistan and the western corridor of India has significantly decreased. “Airspace over Pakistan and the western shoulder of India between Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat was free of civilian air traffic as airlines shunned the sensitive zone,” the platform reported, citing live flight path data.
Airports Affected
Operations have been suspended at major airports, including:
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
The disruption followed an earlier wave on Wednesday, when over 300 flights were cancelled and operations were halted at 21 airports in northern and western India.
Airlines Respond With Waivers and Support
Air India posted on X (formerly Twitter) that its customer care centres are experiencing high call volumes but assured passengers of support. The airline is offering:
Full refunds for cancelled flights
A one-time waiver on rescheduling fees
Valid for tickets booked on affected flights until May 10, 2025
In addition, Air India extended further support to military personnel:
“For defence fare holders traveling on Air India or Air India Express flights until May 31, 2025, we are offering full refunds and one-time rescheduling waivers up to June 30, 2025, in recognition of their service,” the airline stated.
IndiGo Airlines has also issued an advisory, confirming that operations to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala are impacted by airspace restrictions. It is offering:
Waiver of change and cancellation fees
Valid for travel to/from Srinagar until May 22, 2025, for bookings made on or before April 22, 2025
SpiceJet announced that its flights to Dharamsala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice. Akasa Air also issued a general travel advisory, acknowledging the impact on services but did not list specific routes.
