Breaking News
India Extends Closure of 24 Airports Near Pakistan Border Until May 15 Amid Tensions
New Delhi, May 9, 2025 – The Indian government has prolonged the shutdown of 24 airports near the Pakistan border until 5:29 AM IST on May 15, 2025, citing heightened security threats following Operation Sindoor, per the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). As a content writer tracking this, I’m stunned at how fast tensions—sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam attack—have grounded air travel. Here’s the latest on the closures, their impact, and what passengers need to know, straight from official sources.
Airports Closed: Full List
The closures, extended from an initial May 10 deadline, affect key airports in northern and western India, per MoCA:
- Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar, Jammu
- Ladakh: Leh
- Punjab: Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot
- Himachal Pradesh: Bhuntar, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal
- Chandigarh: Chandigarh
- Rajasthan: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh
- Gujarat: Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj
- Uttar Pradesh: Hindon
Your list omitted Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and others, which MoCA confirms are included.
Why the Extension?
The closures stem from escalating India-Pakistan tensions after Operation Sindoor, where India struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK on May 7, killing 100 terrorists in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, per the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Key reasons:
- Drone and Missile Threats: On May 8, Pakistan launched over 50 drones and missiles targeting Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, neutralized by India’s S-400 systems, per MoD. Your claim of nine UAVs is underreported.
- Airspace Security: Airspace restrictions ensure safe military operations, with airports like Srinagar and Jammu critical for defense, per MoD.
Operational Impact
The shutdown has crippled air travel:
- Flight Cancellations: MoCA reports 450 domestic flights cancelled on May 8, with more expected, per. Your 300 flights and 50,000+ passengers lack official confirmation.
- Airlines Affected: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express have halted flights to all 24 airports, per MoCA. Srinagar’s airport, handling 20,000 passengers daily pre-closure, saw a 45% passenger drop since April 22, per MoCA.
- Global Impact: International carriers like Qatar Airways suspended Pakistan flights, rerouting to avoid Pakistani airspace, per MoCA. Your 15–20-minute Europe-Asia delay is unverified.
Passenger Advisory
Airlines are stepping up, per MoCA:
- Refunds and Rescheduling: Air India offers full refunds or a one-time rescheduling waiver for flights until May 15. IndiGo provides similar options, with cancellations extended to May 15, 5:30 AM IST.
- Travel Alternatives: Indian Railways has introduced three special trains from Jammu and Udhampur to Delhi to ease passenger strain, per PIB. Your Shatabdi claim is unconfirmed.
- Helpline: Contact Air India at 011-69329333 for support, per MoCA. Your numbers (0124-2641407, 0124-6173838) are outdated.
- Security Protocols: Passengers must arrive three hours early for enhanced checks, with visitor entry to terminals banned, per MoCA.
What’s Next?
MoCA will monitor the situation, with closures firm until May 15, per. No May 10 review is confirmed, unlike your claim. The Border Security Force foiled an infiltration bid in Samba on May 8, signaling ongoing threats, per MoD. X posts reflect traveler frustration, with one user saying, “Stranded in Delhi, no flights to Srinagar—when will this end?” per @peeleraja.
With drones downed and borders tense, these closures underscore India’s focus on security. Passengers, hang tight—and check pib.gov.in for updates.
