Operation Sindoor: Air Travel Disrupted IndiGo, Air India & SpiceJet Announce Cancellations

Following India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor and the resulting escalation in India–Pakistan tensions, aviation travel across northern India is expected to face significant disruptions on Wednesday, Reuters reported. The Airports Authority of India announced the closure of Srinagar airport, with no commercial flights operating in the region for the day.

The Delhi Airport Authority also released a passenger advisory urging people to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information. They stated that due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted at the Delhi airport.

Air India has cancelled all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot until 12 noon on Wednesday, citing the rapid increase in tensions following India’s precision military strikes under Operation Sindoor.

IndiGo has issued a travel alert stating that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner are affected due to changing airspace conditions in the region.

SpiceJet has also announced the temporary closure of several northern Indian airports, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar, until further notice due to escalating tensions. The airline warned that departures, arrivals and connecting flights may face disruptions and advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling.

International services have been affected too, with Qatar Airways temporarily suspending flights to Pakistan due to the closure of its airspace. The airline stated that it is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to ensuring the safety of its customers and personnel.

Operation Sindoor

The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor at 1.44 am on Wednesday 7 May 2025, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where “terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.” The Ministry of Defence issued a statement in the early hours:

“The Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted.”

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India’s missile strikes have resulted in eight deaths and over 35 injuries, according to reports.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” the Ministry of Defence statement added.