Updated 12 May 2025 at 12:53 IST
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced that 32 airports in northern and western India, which were temporarily closed due to rising tensions with Pakistan, are now open for civil flight operations.
In a statement, the AAI said, “Attention flyers: The temporary closure of 32 airports for civil aircraft operations until 05:29 hrs on 15 May 2025 has been lifted. These airports are now available for regular flight operations. Passengers are advised to check flight status with their airlines and monitor airline websites for updates.”
Following this announcement, Chandigarh Airport confirmed that flight services to and from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport resumed at 10:30 AM on 12 May 2025.
The reopening comes after India and Pakistan declared a ceasefire on Saturday. The Indian Army reported that Sunday night remained “largely peaceful” in Jammu & Kashmir and along the International Border a first since the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, had earlier requested the reopening of airports, especially to resume flights from Srinagar, citing the urgent need to clear the backlog of Haj pilgrims.
Why Were the Airports Closed?
On May 9, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had ordered the closure of 32 airports, including those in Srinagar and Amritsar, as a safety precaution amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan.
With tensions de-escalating and no further incidents reported, civil air operations are being gradually restored.
Passengers are advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines and regularly check official channels for the latest updates.
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Published 12 May 2025 at 12:14 IST