Airports shut, flights cancelled: How Op Sindoor has impacted air travel in north India

Operation Sindoor impact on air travel: Several airlines have suspended air travel to parts of northern India and some airports are shut as India struck Pakistan terrorist camps early Wednesday as part of Operation Sindoor.With several airports shut, and others impacted amid airspace restrictions in place, dozens of flights have been cancelled or rerouted. Here’s a list of airlines that have suspended operations in response to the escalating situation, and the alternative arrangements they’ve announced for affected passengers.List of airports impacted:Flights at several airports have been impacted by the ongoing tense situation.Dharamshala (DHM)Leh (IXL)Jammu (IXJ)Srinagar (SXR)Amritsar (ATQ)Jodhpur (JDR)Bhuj (BHJ)Jamnagar (JGA)Chandigarh (IXC)Rajkot (RAJ)Delhi (DEL)IndiGoIndia's largest airline by market share, cancelled almost 160 domestic flights, including all services to and from high-alert zones such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Jodhpur and Bikaner.Flights to and from Gwalior were also impacted.

The airline warned passengers that changes in flight schedules across the network are likely and urged travellers to check updates before heading to airports. The airlines, in its travel advisory, also offered alternate options and refund claims which could be managed through their website.Air India Air India, “in the view of the prevailing situation,” cancelled all its flights from and to Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot, until 12 in the afternoon.

It also re-routed two international flights en route headed for Amritsar, to Delhi. “Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on closure of these airports.The airline also announced that passengers with valid tickets for travel during this period will be eligible for a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees or can opt for a full refund in case of cancellation.Alliance AirThe government owned airline cancelled operations to and from the city of Amritsar, Bhuj, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Dharamshala and Shimla. It also urged passengers to check the latest updates before heading to the airport.“In view of evolving airspace restrictions, Alliance Air flights to/from Amritsar, Bhuj, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Dharamshala & Shimla stands cancelled for the day,” it said.SpiceJetThe airline confirmed airport closures in northern cities such as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Kangra and Kandla, warning that “departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted.”

It also said that the passengers affected due to the closures can either opt for a full refund or alternate flight, as per the availability.“Due to ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted,” it said.Air India ExpressAIX also suspended flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon till Wednesday midday.

“In keeping with prevailing restrictions, multiple flights on our network are impacted,” the airline posted on social media platform X. Akasa Air The airline cancelled its Srinagar operations, citing the airport’s complete closure for civil flights. “Due to the prevailing situation in the region, Srinagar airport has been closed for civil operations,” it said, urging the passengers to check the flight status before heading for the airport.