India reopens 32 airports which were shut due to India-Pakistan conflict

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced on Monday, May 12, 2025, that civilian flight operations will resume at 32 airports across northern and western India. These airports had been temporarily closed starting May 9, 2025, due to heightened security measures in the wake of the military standoff between India and Pakistan. The closure was enforced to manage the airspace during the period of heightened tensions following India's Operation Sindoor, which involved airstrikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

The AAI statement confirmed that all 32 airports, which include major hubs like Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jaisalmer, are now available for civilian aircraft operations. The airport authority had issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to notify the aviation community of the temporary closure. These closures, which were initially scheduled to end on May 15, were lifted after the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday. The resumption of flights was made possible by the halt of all military actions in air, land, and sea as per the ceasefire.

In its statement, AAI recommended that travelers check flight statuses directly with airlines and monitor their websites for the latest updates. The closure affected several regional airports in addition to the major ones, including Bathinda, Bhuj, Kullu Manali, and Ludhiana. These airports are now open for civilian operations, which will help restore connectivity to the affected regions.

Airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, have announced the resumption of their services at these reopened airports. Airport authorities are working in coordination with airlines to manage the reallocation of slots and ensure smooth operations. Security measures at these airports will remain heightened, but normal flight schedules are expected to resume as the situation stabilizes.

The temporary closure of airports followed India's military operations and Pakistan's retaliatory missile and drone attacks. These measures were deemed necessary to protect civilian aircraft and prevent any incidents during the period of heightened security. The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan has now allowed for the safe resumption of air traffic, easing the travel disruptions faced by passengers and airlines.