7 May 2025 – The consequences of Operation Sindoor, India’s highly-publicized counterterrorism operation which has had a ripple effect on the civilian world, particularly on the air. Numerous airlines have suspended or diverted flights to states bordering them, including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir as well as Rajasthan due to security procedures and airspace limitations.
The incident has caused hundreds of passengers stranded and hundreds of flights have been delayed or cancelled leading to dismay and confusion at airports across northern India.
Airlines Respond to Security Alerts
Domestic airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet IndiGo, SpiceJet Air India confirmed that they have complied with air traffic advisory released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as well as the Indian Air Force.
“In light of precautionary military activity and restricted air zones, flight operations to border-adjacent cities have been suspended until further notice,” said an Air India spokesperson.
Cities affected include Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Leh along with Jaisalmer.
Passengers Scramble to Rearrange Plans
The airports of Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur were filled with long lines at the counters of airlines when passengers tried to book tickets, or ask for refunds.
Neha Saini is one of the students from Jaipur on her way to Amritsar told:
“I had planned my trip for a few weeks. I understand the necessity of security However, there was no notice prior to the trip. It’s chaotic.”
Others who wanted to visit family from Jammu or attend wedding ceremonies in Punjab experienced similar issues.
No-Fly Zones & Airspace Management
Operation Sindoor that reportedly targeted terrorist infrastructure close to that border. It has resulted in the temporary establishment areas of non-fly zones in the hands of Indian Armed Forces.
Air traffic controllers are being directed to redirect all civilian aircraft out of vulnerable zones particularly near forward bases and the restricted areas of air travel..
Experts suggest that this is an normal procedure when there is a lot of military activities.
“Civil aviation takes a backseat when national security is involved,” aviation analyst Ajay Srivastava stated to ArtKerala.com.
When Will Flights Resume?
There’s no official announcement yet about the date when normal operations can return. Airline sources indicate the possibility of a 48-72-hour window for review, based on the current situation on the other side of the border.
The passengers are advised to be aware of developments by airlines and stay clear of non-essential travel to regions bordering their borders at the moment.
Travel Tips for Affected Passengers:
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Check the airline’s sites or apps for updates in real-time
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Don’t book new tickets from or to cities affected until you have official approval
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Keep both digital and physical versions of tickets to facilitate quicker refunds and rescheduling
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Think about alternative transportation such as buses or trains in case travel is urgent.
For up-to-date information regarding this story’s development keep an eye on ArtKerala.com, your reliable source for news from across the nation.
