At least 24 airports across India have been closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as revealed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Several airlines have issued advisories to inform passengers that their flights would remain suspended until Saturday from some of the airports which have been shut.
This comes amid growing tension between the two neighbouring countries which escalated further on Thursday evening after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Which Indian Airports are currently shut?
Chandigarh
Srinagar
Amritsar
Ludhiana
Bhuntar
Kishengarh
Patiala
Shimla
Kangra-Gaggal
Bathinda
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Bikaner
Halwara
Pathankot
Jammu
Leh
Mundra
Jamnagar
Hirasa (Rajkot)
Porbandar
Keshod
Kandla
Bhuj
Civil aviation security enhanced across India
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures. All passengers at all airports will undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC). Visitor entry into terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation Sources.
“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes… so that no untoward incident takes place in the country,” BCAS said in an advisory.
Ensuring 100 per cent serviceability of all CCTVs at airports and “deployment of in-flight security officers in flights based on prioritisation/randomisation” are among the other directions. Also, BCAS has suggested enhanced security measures and surveillance at city side of airports in coordination with local police.
Among other measures, thorough scrutiny of PNR (Passenger Name Record), passenger and cargo manifest as well as full search of aircraft and catering services of planes are being ensured. Security measures and surveillance have been enhanced at cargo and general aviation terminals.
Airlines ask passengers to reach airports at least three hours prior to journey
Meanwhile, airlines are urging passengers to reach airports which are operational with extra time in hands to accommodate enhanced security checks and formalities.
“In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” IndiGo said in a post on X on Thursday evening.
Other airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air are also requesting their passengers to reach airports at least three hours prior to journey.
Flights cancelled – airport closures causing air traffic disruption
The airport closures have led to massive disruption in air traffic, with Indian carriers cancelling 430 flights on Thursday—about 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights. Airlines in Pakistan cancelled over 147 flights, which amounted to 17% of their daily schedules.
Airlines have started rerouting and cancelling flights to avoid the sensitive zone. On Wednesday, around 250 flights were cancelled. . Air India diverted two of its international flights enroute from Amritsar, close to Lahore, to New Delhi, because of the sudden closure of the airport. American Airlines also cancelled its Delhi–New York flight.
