India Announces Extended Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations Amid Security Concerns
The Civil Aviation Ministry of India has extended the closure of 24 airports for civil flight operations until May 15, in response to heightened security measures. The closures affect key airports in cities such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Jaisalmer, Pathankot, Jammu, Bikaner, Leh, and Porbander, among others.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisories for Affected Passengers
In light of these closures, several airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to stay informed on the status of flights and airport operations.
Air India, via its official post on X, confirmed the cancellations of flights to and from cities including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. These cancellations will continue until 5:29 AM IST on May 15. The airline assured affected passengers that they would be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.
Similarly, IndiGo announced cancellations of all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh until 5:30 AM on May 15, due to the temporary closures.
Impact at Delhi Airport
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, authorities reported disruptions in flight operations due to the heightened security protocols. Between 5 AM and 2 PM on Friday, 66 domestic departures and 63 arrivals, along with 5 international departures and 4 international arrivals, were cancelled. The airport operator, DIAL, clarified that airport operations remained largely normal but advised that evolving airspace conditions and additional security measures could cause delays or rescheduling of some flights.
Increased Security Measures Post-Terrorist Attack
The increased security measures come after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 civilians. India has accused Pakistan of being involved in cross-border terrorism, a claim which Pakistan has denied.
Passengers are urged to remain vigilant and monitor flight schedules and airport advisories due to the evolving security situation.
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