In response to growing cross-border tensions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the temporary suspension of civilian flights at 32 airports across northern and western India until May 15, 2025. This proactive step aims to prioritize passenger safety and adapt to the evolving security situation.
Major airports affected include Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Bikaner. The closure has already caused hundreds of flight cancellations and diversions, leading to major disruptions in domestic air travel.
In addition to shutting down airports, the DGCA has also suspended 25 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route segments within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs). This has impacted not only Indian airlines but also international carriers that pass through Indian airspace.
The decision follows a noticeable military buildup near border areas, prompting aviation and defense authorities to act swiftly to protect civilian lives.
Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet have issued travel advisories and are offering full refunds or free rescheduling options for passengers affected by the restrictions.
International carriers like United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Korean Air have begun rerouting flights to avoid Indian and Pakistani airspace, which is resulting in longer travel times and increased fuel costs.
While Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remains operational, it is under heightened security and travel advisories. Passengers flying from or into Delhi are advised to arrive early and check for real-time updates via their airline’s official channels.
The DGCA, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and defense agencies, continues to monitor the situation closely. Depending on how conditions evolve, current restrictions may be extended or revised.
If you’re traveling to or from any of the affected regions, stay updated on flight schedules and stay in touch with your airline’s customer support for the latest information.
