In the wake of escalating border tensions, the Indian Government has temporarily closed more than 25 airports across northern, western, and central regions. As per the reports, this decision is effective until May 10, 2025.
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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) leading to the suspension of operations at 27 airports, including major hubs like Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jodhpur. This action resulted in the cancellation of approximately 430 flights, accounting for about 3% of India's scheduled flights.
According to a NOTAM issued by the Airports Authority of India, the affected airports include Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Patiala, and Halwara in Punjab; Shimla and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh; Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Kishangarh in Rajasthan; and Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Mundra, Porbandar, Kandla, and Keshod in Gujarat. Airlines also reported that Gwalior and Hindon airports were impacted, as shared on X.
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International reactions
pmargin-top:5.0000pt;margin-right:0.0000pt;margin-bottom:5.0000pt; margin-left:0.0000pt;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan;The international community has expressed concern over the escalating crisis. The UK Foreign Office, in an updated travel advisory, now advises against all travel within 10 kilometers of border regions, as well as to the state of Manipur and other affected areas due to ongoing unrest—excluding limited city travel in Jammu and Ladakh. The advisory also highlights key safety issues: the mandatory visa requirement for entry, risks of sexual assault targeting female travelers, and societal discrimination faced by LGBT+ individuals.
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Airlines have expressed safety concerns, highlighting risks like GPS spoofing that could potentially misguide aircraft into conflict zones. This issue has added to the operational challenges in the already volatile regions of the Middle East and South Asia.
The temporary closure of 27 airports in India indicates the severity of the current border situation. Keep checking this space for further updates.