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Alert! 20 Indian Airports Closed As Tensions With Pakistan | Full List Here

May 8, 2025, 9:09 am

In the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions and the closure of airspace in northern and western India, passenger flight operations have been suspended at nearly 20 airports until 5:29 am IST on May 10, as per a NOTAM issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The disruption follows India’s missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.

Airports Temporarily Shut

Flight operations have been halted at the following airports: Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Bhatinda, Bhuj, Dharamshala, Shimla, Rajkot, Porbandar, Bikaner, Hindon, Kishangarh, Kandla, and Gwalior.

Authorities have cited security concerns as the primary reason for these shutdowns. Several airlines have already issued advisories, urging passengers to reschedule or cancel travel plans involving these airports.

Airlines Respond to Airspace Restrictions

IndiGo stated, “Over 165 of our flights from airports including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar are cancelled until 5:29 am IST on 10 May 2025, due to government-imposed airspace restrictions.” The airline has offered free rescheduling or full refunds for affected customers.

Air India announced via X that flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled until May 10. “A one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or full refunds will be provided to affected passengers,” the airline said.

Air India Express also confirmed full refunds or free changes for passengers traveling to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until May 10.

SpiceJet, in its advisory, noted: “Due to the evolving situation, several airports in northern India—such as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar—are closed until further notice, with potential impacts on departures, arrivals, and related flights.”

Foreign Airlines Reroute Mid-Air

Following the missile strikes, most foreign carriers also stopped overflights through Pakistani airspace. Some planes en route were forced to reroute mid-flight.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines reported extended flight times, stating, “The Amsterdam to Delhi flight will take an hour longer, while the Amsterdam to Mumbai flight will be extended by one hour and 15 minutes.”

Air India also said that two international flights bound for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi as a precautionary measure.

Travel Advisory

Authorities have requested passengers to check flight statuses online and opt for rescheduling or refunds where applicable. With the situation still developing, air travel disruptions may continue beyond May 10 depending on regional security assessments.

Pakistan Shuts Key Airports for 48 Hours Following India’s Operation Sindoor

May 7, 2025, 5:35 am

Following India’s attacks in various regions of Pakistan, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan Punjab, major airports in the country will be closed for 48 hours, reports added.

India’s Pin-Point Strikes Under ‘Operation Sindoor’

At 1.44 am on Wednesday, India launched pin-point strikes in at least two locations – Muridka and Bahawalpur – in Pakistan’s Punjab and two – Kotli and Muzaffarabad – in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of ‘Operation Sindoor’. The strikes were launched in retaliation for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 when 26 were killed, including two Navy and Intelligence Bureau personnel.

Operation Sindoor Involving All Three Arms of the Indian Military

All the three arms of the Indian military the Army, Navy, and Air Force participated in Operation Sindoor, during which at least nine terrorist camps in Pakistan were targeted. The targets included Muridke the hub of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is said to have been responsible for the Pahalgam attack – and Bahawalpur, the headquarters of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Recountering India’s diplomatic efforts post-Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had closed its airspace for Indian airlines and now has closed major airports for 48 hours. India also declared that there will be no civilian flights from the Srinagar airport on Wednesday.

In a statement, the defense ministry labelled the strikes as a “restrained and calibrated response” to the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack and emphasized that no Pakistani military installation was targeted, in keeping with India’s “calibrated and non-escalatory approach.”

Highlighting the retaliatory aspect of the strikes, the ministry stated, “This operation reflects India’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable without unnecessary provocation.” India has also stated that it had hoped Pakistan would move against terrorists following the Pahalgam attacks but indulged in denial instead.

Threat of Retaliation by Pakistan, Continued Ceasefire Violations

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that attacks were launched in five areas and that the nation “retains the right to respond forcefully”. The Pakistan Army also initiated mortar fires along the Line of Control in the Bhimber Gali sector of the Poonch-Rajauri sector, continuing ceasefire violations that have been on for more than 10 days.

India has informed several countries, including the United States, and spoke through National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to his US counterpart Marco Rubio.

Aviation Ministry Approves In-Principle for New Airports in Rajasthan, Odisha

May 6, 2025, 12:27 am

The civil aviation ministry on Monday granted in-principle approval for the establishment of greenfield airports in Rajasthan’s Kota and Odisha’s Puri, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity in these regions.

Kota Airport: A Boost for Education and Industry

Kota, located in Rajasthan, is represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. His sustained engagement with the Ministry of Civil Aviation has played a pivotal role in expediting the approval process. The new airport in Kota is set to serve both the city and the broader Hadoti region. This region is known for its growing population and expanding economic activity. Kota has long been recognized as a key educational and industrial hub. The development of the airport will enhance its connectivity with the rest of the country.

Puri Airport Development: Aviation Ministry Enhances Religious Tourism and Connectivity

The ministry highlighted that the proposed airport in Puri will have a transformative impact on the region. Known for its religious significance, Puri attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. The establishment of an airport in the city is expected to greatly boost religious tourism. It will contribute to local economic development. Additionally, it will improve overall connectivity in the area. This initiative is in line with the Indian government’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure in key tourist and religious destinations.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu officially announced the in-principle approval for the construction of these greenfield airports at both Kota and Puri. The greenfield airports are expected to foster regional development, improve accessibility, and enhance the travel experience for locals and tourists alike.

India continues to experience rapid growth in the civil aviation sector, with over 150 functional airports across the country. As the demand for air travel increases, these new airports will play a crucial role in accommodating the country’s expanding aviation market.

Man Boarded 200 Flights in 110 Days to Steal Jewellery Worth Lakhs

May 14, 2024, 2:33 am

The Delhi Police uncovered a novel style of theft orchestrated by Rajesh Kapoor, who managed to execute robberies at airports across India, boarding over 200 flights and traveling extensively within the country for over 100 days in 2023. This modus operandi came to light when multiple passengers reported significant losses of valuables from their luggage.

Kapoor’s arrest in Delhi’s Paharganj followed a meticulous investigation involving the scrutiny of CCTV footage from airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Amritsar. His method involved targeting passengers with connecting flights, particularly focusing on elderly and female travelers. Kapoor would observe their behavior, sometimes even obtaining details about the valuables in their luggage from baggage declaration slips.

The accused would strategically request seat changes to position himself near the targeted passenger, often pretending to adjust bags in the overhead compartments during boarding. He would then discreetly steal jewelry and other valuables while passengers were distracted.

To evade detection, Kapoor provided fake contact information during flight bookings, ensuring his phone number was registered under someone else’s name. Despite running a guest house and other businesses in Delhi, he managed to successfully steal from passengers at airports across the country, amassing a significant amount of stolen jewelry.

Kapoor’s arrest sheds light on a sophisticated form of theft within highly secured airport premises, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.

15 Flights Diverted from Delhi Due to Weather: Sources

April 24, 2024, 4:37 am

Airport sources reported that adverse weather conditions in the national capital led to the diversion of 15 flights from Delhi. Among these diversions, nine flights were redirected to Jaipur, two to Amritsar, two to Lucknow, one to Mumbai, and one to Chandigarh.

On Tuesday evening, various areas of Delhi witnessed unexpected rainfall, marking a sudden shift in the weather in the national capital. The short downpour provided relief to commuters who have been enduring the intense April heat.

Previously, the India Meteorological Department had forecasted that Delhi’s temperature would hover around 38 degrees Celsius for the next 2-3 days, with a chance of light rain on Monday.

According to Dr. Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at IMD, Eastern India may experience temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius in the next 4-5 days.

“In Delhi, our estimate is that the temperature is expected to remain around 38 degrees Celsius in the coming 2-3 days. After this, it may increase slowly by 1-2 degrees and with it, there is a possibility of light rain tomorrow…At present, if you talk about Eastern India, the temperature has reached 44 degrees Celsius in 1-2 stations. In the next 4-5 days, the temperature can reach 44 degrees Celsius in Eastern India, and in Northwest India, there is no hope of it being near 40 or more than 41 degrees Celsius ,” Kumar said.

Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at IMD, Delhi, mentioned that a heatwave is currently affecting East India, and it’s anticipated to persist in some states for the next 4-5 days.

Adani Group plans to expand 7 airports, spend Rs 60,000 crore

March 11, 2024, 3:05 pm

The Adani Group intends to invest ₹ 60,000 crore to expand seven airports across the nation in the next five to 10 years. According to Adani Ports’ Managing Director Karan Adani, the airports under its management will have increase their current capacity to three times by 2040.

According to Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holdings (AAHL), ₹ 30,000 crore of this will be spent on the “airside” and the remaining amount will be spent on the “cityside”. The airports which will be expanded are Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Guwahati, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram.

The region of the airport comprising the runway, hangars, arrival and departure zones, and control towers is referred to as the “airside.” The term “cityside” describes the region surrounding the airport that is home to business establishments.

Bansal stated further that the ₹ 60,000 crore expansion plan does not include the ₹ 18,000 crore allotted for the Phase-I construction at the Navi Mumbai airport.

At the Lucknow Airport, a new terminal was opened on Sunday. Speaking after the ceremony, Karan Adani stated that the airports under the management of the Adani Group can handle 10–11 crore passengers a year, and that number can be go up to three times by the 2040.

“Overall, we are looking at a combined capacity of 25-30 crore annual passenger capacity by 2040,” he stated.

He said that the Group does not currently have a plan to apprach the stock market for its airport subsidiary and the investments will be financed by internal accruals of parent company Adani Enterprises Ltd.

80-year-old collapses, dies as he walks to terminal due to lack of wheelchair assistance at Mumbai Airport

February 16, 2024, 4:11 pm

An 80-year-old man collapsed and passed away from a heart attack at Mumbai international airport while attempting to clear immigration by foot, reportedly due to a lack of wheelchair support. The man, who was traveling with his wife, had arranged for wheelchair assistance for both of them on an Air India flight from New York to Mumbai.

Upon arrival, only one wheelchair assistant was provided, which the man insisted his wife use while he walked alongside. Tragically, he collapsed at the immigration counter. He was immediately taken to Nanavati Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The man was of Indian origin and held an American passport.

The Sahar Police Station in Mumbai has registered a case under ADR, and an investigation is ongoing. Air India described the incident as “unfortunate,” explaining that due to a high demand for wheelchairs, they had asked the passenger to wait for a wheelchair but he chose to walk with his wife. Airport medical staff attended to him before he was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.

Power banks top list of seized items at airports in India

July 31, 2023, 4:04 pm

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) reported on Monday that security organizations seize about 25,000 prohibited items from passengers at various airports across the nation each day.

At BCAS’s Delhi headquarters, the Aviation Security Culture Week-2023 was officially launched by Zulfiquar Hasan, the organization’s director general. At all domestic airports, we screen about 8.5 lakh handbags and 5 lakh pieces of checked baggage each day. And as we check, we uncover about 25,000 items that are prohibited, delaying the clearance process for passengers and wasting security personnel’s time, according to Hasan. According to BCAS, power banks (44%), lighters (19%), loose batteries (18%), and laptops (11%) are the most frequently discovered seized prohibited items in checked baggage.

Hasan continued by saying that unbeatable security is necessary for the expansion of the aviation industry. India has the highest percentage of first-time flyers in the world, so we cannot afford to make even one mistake, he said, adding that as a result, we have organized a week-long program to educate people. Hasan elaborated on the new types of threats to the aviation industry, noting that 3,300 flights carry 4.8 lakh passengers daily. Hasan cited cyber threats, which also include drones.

2 arrested with gold values over Rs 1 crore at Hyderabad airport

June 6, 2023, 5:02 pm

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department seized 1705.3 grammes of gold worth over Rs. 1 crore from 2 passengers arriving from Dubai at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

On Monday, as per the Customs Department, based on specific information, two passengers who arrived from Dubai on Indigo flight 6E-1484 at 10 p.m. were intercepted by the officers of the Customs Air Intelligence unit after having suspicions about them.

On searching both passengers, it was found that they had concealed 6 capsules containing gold paste wrapped with black tape in their rectum. Customs have seized gold weighing a total of 1705.3 grammes worth Rs 1.05 crore from the two passengers, according to the official statement. Both passengers were then arrested under the Indian Customs Act 1962, and further investigation was underway.

SC Allows AAI To Construct New Enclave In Agra Airport

January 17, 2023, 5:14 pm

In a relief to the Airports Authority of India, the Supreme Court on Tuesday changed its order and permitted AAI to expand the air terminal traffic in the Agra runway strip and develop another terminal in Agra.

A seat headed by Judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul passed the bearing while at the same time hearing an application moved by the Airports Authority of India. AAI has moved an application through advocate Ashwarya Sinha. In the application, the Airports Authority of India has looked for a change of the court’s previous order dated 11 December 2019, by which the court has coordinated the Centre not to allow any activity to build the air terminal traffic in the Agra runway until the next orders.

Considering the developing need to increment air traffic, the Airports Authority of India has looked to change the prior order.
AAI, in its application, said that the administration after believing in the UDAN-RCS Plan alongside different variables proposed the advancement of the New Civil Enclave at the existing Civil Enclave to provide state-of-the-art facilities to passengers and boost the tourist inflow in the city.

“That the new enclave having a building area of 30,000 sq. mtr. is proposed on the area which falls inside the geographical limits of the Taj Trapezium Zone. That the proposed area is free from all encumbrances and has been transferred by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to the Applicants,” AAI said in its plea.

AAI presented that the top court vides its structure dated 4 December 2019 and 11 December 2019 has previously allowed consent for the development of the New Enclave Territory.
The candidate explained that regardless of the approval previously allowed by the Court to build the New Territory, the AAI can’t develop the said New Considerate Area as the ban put upon the increment of air traffic by the Court makes the whole undertaking infeasible, and non-viable.

AAI undertakes Trichy Airport for upgradation

January 12, 2023, 2:55 pm

Trichy Airport has been undertaken Airports Authority of India for expansion work which will include the construction of a new integrated passenger terminal building, a new apron, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, and airside facilities will be upgraded. Meanwhile, the construction work for the terminal building is 85 percent completed and by June 2023 the project will be completed. However, Tamil Nadu Trichy is the third largest airport in terms of passenger traffic.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla chairs meeting to review Airport security

January 9, 2023, 3:18 pm

After the Air India urinating incident came to light a high-level meeting was chaired to review airport security by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Monday. The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). However, the meeting started at 11 am at the Ministry of Home Affairs and lasted nearly 30 minutes.

11 COVID-19 Omicron sub-variants detected in India

January 5, 2023, 4:02 pm

From 24 December to 3 January 11 variants of COVID-19 were detected after testing international passengers at airports and seaports in India. During testing of international travelers, 11 Omicron sub-variants were found in the country. The number of international travelers tested was 19,227, out of which 124 were found Covid-19 positive. In a maximum of 14 samples XBB including XBB.1 was found and one sample was found of BF 7.4.1. Earlier on Wednesday 175 new cases were recorded in India.