India-Pakistan tension: Major airlines cancel flights amid security concerns

Air India, IndiGo cancel flights to 7 cities

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, leading Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo have cancelled flights to and from seven key cities, citing security concerns and evolving airspace risks. The affected cities include Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, and Rajkot.

The cancellations follow India’s recent ‘Operation Sindoor‘, a precision airstrike campaign targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan attempted drone and missile attacks, which were effectively intercepted by India’s air defence systems. Heightened security measures were also prompted by reports of drone activity over Jammu and Kashmir during the night.

Airlines respond with precautionary measures

On 13 May 2025, Air India announced on the social media platform X that flights to and from the affected cities would be suspended due to the unfolding situation and the priority of passenger safety. Similarly, IndiGo issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, given the dynamic airspace situation.

#TravelAdvisory
In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May.

We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.

For more…

— Air India (@airindia) May 12, 2025

#6ETravelUpdate pic.twitter.com/KnJYNZgOhF

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 12, 2025

Both airlines are offering free rebooking options or full refunds to passengers on cancelled flights. Additionally, passengers traveling from other cities have been advised to allow extra time for security checks at airports.

Nationwide aviation restrictions extended

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has temporarily suspended flight operations at several airports in northern and western India due to the prevailing security scenario. Initially, 32 airports were closed until 10 May, but this suspension has now been extended until 5:29 AM on 14 May.

Pakistan shuts down airspace nationwide

In response to India’s strikes, Pakistan has suspended all national and international flight operations at its airports until further notice. This has severely impacted operations at major hubs, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, disrupting both domestic and global flight connectivity.

The evolving situation has placed regional aviation under heightened alert, with both countries taking drastic measures to ensure civilian safety and mitigate risks. Airlines and aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging passengers to stay updated via official channels.

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