In a significant development amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the temporary suspension of civil flight operations at 32 airports across northern and western India. This move, effective from 9th to 14th May 2025, has been enforced due to “operational reasons,” as per a series of NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The suspension will remain in place until 11:59 PM on 14th May 2025 (or 0529 IST on 15th May), affecting both domestic and regional connectivity. Authorities have also restricted 25 air traffic service (ATS) segments within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs), grounding airspace from the surface to unlimited altitude across those zones.
List of the 32 Airports Affected:
Adampur
Ambala
Amritsar
Awantipur
Bathinda
Bhuj
Chandigarh
Chinyalisaur
Halwara
Hindon
Jammu
Jodhpur
Jaisalmer
Kandla
Kargil
Keshod
Kishangarh
Kullu Manali (Bhuntar)
Leh
Ludhiana
Naliya
Nahan
Pathankot
Patiala
Porbandar
Sirsa
Suratgarh
Sarna
Shimla
Srinagar
Thoise
Uttarlai
Why This Matters
The timing of this move, amid escalating geopolitical strain, particularly with Pakistan, has raised eyebrows. While the government cites “operational reasons,” the temporary closure comes at a moment when both civilian and military preparedness is under intense scrutiny.
Airlines have been instructed to plan alternate routes, and coordination with ATC (Air Traffic Control) units is underway to ensure safety and minimize disruption. However, the suspension has already affected thousands of passengers and disrupted cargo and tourism routes, especially in areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.
This is not the first time India has enforced airspace restrictions during periods of tension. In similar past instances, such measures were taken as precautionary steps to secure airspace for possible military movement or to avoid civilian risks in conflict-sensitive regions.
Looking Ahead
While the temporary suspension is set to end on 14th May, further decisions will likely depend on security assessments and the evolving India-Pakistan situation. Authorities and airlines continue to monitor the situation closely.
The public is advised to stay updated through official channels and airline notifications. For now, India’s northern skies remain largely silent — a signal of caution, and perhaps, of what lies ahead.
