430 Flights Canceled in India as 27 Airports Remain Shut Amid Operation Sindoor

In a major disruption to domestic and international air travel, India has canceled hundreds of flights following Operation Sindoor, which has impacted airports across the country. As a result, around 430 flights were grounded on Thursday, nearly 3% of the total scheduled flights within the country. The closure of 27 airports, including major hubs, will continue until May 10, exacerbating the situation for travelers. Meanwhile, Pakistan, which had suspended flights at several airports due to the operation, has now resumed nationwide air travel, marking a significant development in the aviation landscape of the region.

The large-scale cancellations in India have caused confusion and frustration among passengers, with numerous airlines offering refunds and flexible travel options. With the airspace being largely unavailable for civilian aircraft over parts of India and Pakistan, this unprecedented situation has led to the suspension of flights at key airports, such as Srinagar, Amritsar, Jammu, and Chandigarh. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have been at the forefront of these disruptions, with each carrier offering support to affected customers in a bid to ease the blow.

Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures in India

India’s aviation sector was heavily impacted by Operation Sindoor, as airports in sensitive regions were forced to close their operations. The operation, which is believed to be linked to national security measures, led to a temporary suspension of civilian air traffic in parts of the country, including areas near the Pakistan border.

On Thursday alone, a total of 430 flights were canceled, with major carriers, including Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet, adjusting their schedules to accommodate the changes. This is particularly significant because these cancellations represent a near 3% reduction in the daily flight operations of the country.

The affected airports include those in regions with sensitive airspace, such as Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, and several others in northern India. With 27 airports shut down, air travel to and from these regions was severely hindered. The flight suspension has disrupted the schedules of thousands of passengers, many of whom are now scrambling for alternative routes.

The Impact on Major Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Others

Airlines across India have faced significant disruptions in their operations as a result of the airspace closures. Air India, one of the country’s largest carriers, had to cancel numerous domestic flights and divert others, with some flights rerouted to New Delhi due to the closure of Amritsar Airport. The airline’s customer support centers were overwhelmed with calls, and the company issued an advisory regarding flight cancellations, offering refunds and rescheduling options for impacted passengers.

In a statement, Air India informed passengers that full refunds would be granted for canceled flights, and a one-time waiver on rescheduling fees was being offered. This applied to all flights booked on or before April 22, 2025, for travel to and from affected airports, including Amritsar and Srinagar.

IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, was also significantly impacted by the airspace restrictions. The airline announced the suspension of flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, and other affected cities. Passengers traveling to these destinations were encouraged to modify their travel plans, with IndiGo offering a full waiver of change and cancellation fees for bookings made before April 22, 2025.

SpiceJet, another major player in the Indian domestic market, reported cancellations of flights operating to and from Dharamsala, Leh, Jammu, and Srinagar. Passengers were advised to check with the airline for updates on rescheduling options or full refunds in case of cancellations. Akasa Air, though not listing affected routes specifically, issued an advisory noting that some flights were impacted due to airspace restrictions.

The Situation in Pakistan: Flights Resume After Temporary Suspension

While India’s airspace remained largely grounded, Pakistan’s aviation sector took a different turn. After initially suspending flights at four major airports, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the resumption of flight operations nationwide. This development has allowed air travel to return to normal, at least for the time being, within Pakistan’s borders.

The suspension of flights in Pakistan was linked to the ongoing military operations in the region, which had also affected the civilian air traffic system. However, with the situation stabilizing, the aviation authorities have cleared the airspace, and flight operations are now proceeding as scheduled across the country. This has provided relief to passengers, who were previously uncertain about their travel plans in the aftermath of the airspace restrictions.

Airspace Restrictions and Their Impact on Regional Aviation

As noted by flight tracking platforms, such as Flightradar24, the airspace over Pakistan and the western parts of India—spanning from Jammu and Kashmir down to Gujarat—was largely empty of civilian aircraft on Wednesday. This was a clear indication of how the airspace was being avoided by airlines due to the sensitive security situation. For those affected, flight cancellations and delays have been widespread, and passengers have been left stranded or rerouted in some cases.

The impact on regional air travel has been significant, not only for passengers but also for airlines that depend on traffic between these regions. The absence of civilian air traffic in the affected zones has meant fewer flight options, fewer direct routes, and a halt to normal operations in several airports. Despite these disruptions, the aviation authorities in both India and Pakistan have taken steps to ensure the safety of passengers and crews during the ongoing military operations.

Passengers’ Experiences and Airline Customer Support Efforts

Passengers who found themselves stranded or facing canceled flights have shared their experiences of the ongoing disruption. One such passenger, Rahul, a 32-year-old Indian businessman, was traveling from Dubai to Chandigarh when his flight was canceled due to the closure of Amritsar Airport. The airline offered him a rescheduled flight to Delhi, from where he was to travel by bus to Chandigarh. While his schedule was delayed, Rahul understood the gravity of the situation and did not voice complaints.

Many passengers, however, have faced long wait times when trying to contact airlines for support. Air India’s customer service centers were inundated with calls from affected travelers, and the airline issued a statement acknowledging the high call volumes. It assured passengers that its representatives were working hard to assist customers, although delays were inevitable due to the overwhelming demand for support.

IndiGo and SpiceJet also offered flexible travel options, providing waivers on change and cancellation fees. This flexibility has helped alleviate some of the frustration for travelers, who have had to adjust their itineraries in light of the ongoing disruptions. Airlines have assured passengers that they are working to accommodate those affected, though many remain concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

The Broader Impact on Indian Aviation and Travel

The cancellation of hundreds of flights in India is a reminder of how vulnerable air travel can be to external factors, such as military operations or natural disasters. The Indian aviation sector, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years, now faces a major setback in its quest to meet increasing demand for air travel. This disruption also raises questions about the need for more robust contingency plans and better coordination between airlines and government agencies in managing such unforeseen circumstances.

In the days ahead, air travel across the affected regions will continue to face disruptions, with the situation expected to remain fluid. Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights regularly and to stay in contact with their airlines for updates on any changes to their itineraries.

Looking Ahead: What Travelers Can Expect

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers will need to be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. Airlines are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact on their passengers, but the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing military operations means that further disruptions are possible.

Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are doing their best to offer alternative routes and travel options for impacted passengers. However, it remains to be seen when full normalcy will return to air travel in the affected regions. Until then, flexibility, patience, and constant communication with airlines will be key to navigating these challenging times.