9 more airports shut till May 10 in India, total count rise to 27 amid cross-border tensions

India shuts 27 airports and clears airspace till May 10 after missile strikes under Operation Sindoor response
430 Indian flights cancelled, 147 in Pakistan; airlines reroute via Mumbai-Ahmedabad to avoid sensitive airspace zone
Strike targeted terror hubs in PoK and Pakistan; Indian defence systems, warships, and patrol units remain on high alert

India has suspended commercial operations at 27 airports across its northern, western, and central regions following missile strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor. These measures come after Indian forces targeted terror hubs in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan on May 7. The missile strikes, aimed at groups linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, led to a sharp disruption in air traffic. Affected airports include major hubs like Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh, which will remain closed for commercial flights until 5:29 am on Saturday, May 10, as per reports from aviation sources.

The strikes also led to the cancellation of 430 flights within India, representing 3% of the nation’s total scheduled flights. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet were among the carriers announcing flight cancellations due to the airspace restrictions. International carriers also adjusted their routes, rerouting flights over Mumbai and Ahmedabad, avoiding the sensitive airspace between Kashmir and Gujarat. These disruptions were felt particularly across the northern and western sectors, where Pakistan’s airspace is located. As a result, 147 flights were cancelled in Pakistan, which accounted for 17% of its total scheduled flights.

Flight tracking data indicates that the airspace over Pakistan and parts of India from Kashmir to Gujarat was largely free of civilian flights, with foreign airlines and Indian carriers alike steering clear of this region. The Indian Air Force and military units have been placed on high alert in anticipation of potential retaliation. The multi-layered air defence systems along India’s western borders are fully activated, and fighter jets are conducting regular patrols. Naval forces have also been mobilized, with warships deployed in the Arabian Sea to bolster the nation’s defence posture.

As per sources, the 27 airports shut down in the aftermath of the missile strikes include major regional hubs and airports that also handle military charter flights. These closures were implemented to ensure both civilian and military safety in light of the escalating situation. In addition to flight cancellations, operations at some airports were temporarily suspended for military purposes, further contributing to the disruption in air traffic. The airports will remain closed until the end of the restriction period, as announced by the aviation authorities.

List of 27 Airports Closed: