Operation Sindoorimpact on air travel: Even as several airports across India are closed for commercial flights over the next few days following India’s missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a fresh advisory has been issued.The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports across the country to enhance security measures.“All passengers at all airports will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC). Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshal will be deployed accordingly,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation has reportedly said.In view of the latest advisory, airlines have asked passengers to reach airports well ahead of the scheduled departure of flights. Air India shared on X (formerly Twitter), “In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure.”Spicejet shared on X, "In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process."AkasaAir also issued a travel advisory saying, "Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing upto 7 kgs will be permitted.As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding..."Hundreds of flights of airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Spicejet, Akasa Air, Air India Express have been cancelled and rescheduled. Airlines have suggested that passengers check the flight status before heading for the airports. Whilst Delhi airport continues its regular operations, airlines cancelled 138 flights on Friday. According to a source, between 5 am and 2 pm on Friday, there were 66 domestic departure cancellations, 63 domestic arrival cancellations, along with 5 international departure and 4 international arrival cancellations.Mumbai International Airport has released a travel advisory considering the present circumstances in the nation.bWhile the airport continues its regular operations, passengers should anticipate extended waiting periods due to heightened security measures. Travellers are advised to allocate additional time for their journey to the airport and ensure early arrival to account for the increased duration of security screening procedures.Operation Sindoor impact: Full List of Airports ClosedIt’s important to plan your air travel carefully over the next few days and also be aware if your flight has been cancelled. Below is a full list of airports that are shut:No visitors at airports: The BCAS has also issued enhanced security protocols on Thursday, restricting visitor access to airport terminal buildings and implementing mandatory secondary ladder point checks for all flights. The new regulations prohibit visitors from entering airport terminal buildings and suspend the sale of visitor entry tickets. Additional requirements include ensuring all airport CCTV systems are fully operational and deploying in-flight security personnel based on priority and random selection.Important Update from AirlinesAir India The airline confirmed that flights to and from the following stations—Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot—are cancelled until 05:29 hrs on 10 May. The cancellations are in response to the closure of these airports, as per a notification from aviation authorities. In a post on X, the airline also said that passengers with valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.IndiGo IndiGo has suspended all flights to and from multiple northern Indian cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot until midnight on May 10, 2025, due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions.The airline has committed to keeping passengers informed through its official communication channels and offered assistance for travel plan modifications.Air India Express"Due to notification from the airport authorities, flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon are cancelled till 05.30 hrs on 10th May 2025," Air India Express said in a post on X. The airline is offering full refunds on cancellations and a one-time waiver for rescheduling flights up to 30 June 2025 for defence personnel holding special fares, whose bookings are on Air India and Air India Express flights until 31 May 2025.This initiative is designed to support their duty commitments during the prevailing situation.Akasa AirAkasa airlines announced that all flights to and from Srinagar have been suspended until May 9,.The airline also offered support to the passengers, providing a full refund for the cancelled flight and alternatives to reschedule the flight at no additional cost to any date within 7 days of the original travel date.SpicejetSpiceJet also issued a statement, confirming that flights to and from Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice. The airline noted that both departures and arrivals, as well as connecting flights, will be affected due to the airport closures. Passengers have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and to stay updated through the airline's official communication channels.On Wednesday, Delhi airport cancelled over 140 flights. This includes 65 incoming flights and 66 outgoing flights. Additionally, 2 international arrivals and 2 international departures were also cancelled throughout the day.

Operation Sindoor impact: Airports closed, flights cancelled FAQs

1. Till when are some airports in north, north-western India shut?As per the advisory issued, the airports listed above will be closed for commercial flights. But since this is an evolving situation, it is important to check your flight status post that as well.2. What is the latest travel advisory for passengers?Airlines have asked passengers to reach airports much ahead of the scheduled departure to take into account the extra level of security checks.