The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has reopened 32 airports across northern and western India for civil flight operations. The decision comes three days after a temporary shutdown was extended due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, involving cross-border drone and missile activity.
🔴 Why Were the Airports Closed?
The temporary closure followed precision strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was conducted in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed several lives.
The IAF’s counter-operations led to heightened military alertness along the border, prompting a temporary closure of multiple airfields as a precautionary measure.
Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding the reopening of 32 airports is:
“Temporary closure of 32 Airports for civil Aircraft operations till 05:29 hrs of 15 May 2025 has been lifted. These Airports are now available for civil Aircraft operations with immediate effect. Travellers are advised to check flight status directly with the Airlines and monitor Airline’s websites for regular updates.”
This statement was published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on May 12, 2025.
For further details, you can refer to the official press release here: PIB Press Release.
✅ Reopening Update: AAI Issues NOTAMs
On Sunday morning (May 12), the AAI began issuing NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) for the resumption of operations at affected airports. NOTAMs are official alerts to aviation stakeholders about changes in airport or airspace conditions.
An AAI spokesperson confirmed:
“The process of issuing NOTAMs is ongoing. Airlines are now free to resume operations at these airports after planning and route coordination.”
According to HT reports, the airports that reopened include:
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on announced the reopening of 32 airports across northern and western India for civil flight operations three days after their temporary closure was extended until Thursday next (May 15) amid escalating India-Pakistan conflict involving drones, missiles and long-range weapons that raised fears of a full-blown war.
List of All 32 Temporarily Closed Airports
Here’s the complete list of the airports that were temporarily shut and are now reopening:
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Adampur
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Ambala
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Amritsar
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Awantipur
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Bathinda
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Bhuj
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Bikaner
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Chandigarh
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Halwara
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Hindon
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Jaisalmer
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Jammu
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Jamnagar
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Jodhpur
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Kandla
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Kangra (Gaggal)
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Keshod
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Kishangarh
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Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar)
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Leh
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Ludhiana
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Mundra
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Naliya
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Pathankot
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Patiala
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Porbandar
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Rajkot (Hirasar)
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Sarsawa
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Shimla
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Srinagar
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Thoise
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Uttarlai
What Prompted the Reopening?
According to a statement from the Indian Air Force, “no activities were reported overnight” in the border areas on May 12.
“The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu & Kashmir and other areas along the International Border,” the IAF said.
This marked the first calm night in several days, allowing authorities to begin reactivating civil aviation services.(source-news18)
Operational Resumption Depends on Airlines
While the airports are now officially open, airlines must coordinate routes and schedules before resuming flights.
“We welcome the resumption of flight operations at all 32 affected airports. The safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority, and we appreciate the swift coordination by aviation authorities and all stakeholders.”
This statement was made by Anil Punjabi, a National Committee member of the Travel Agents Federation of India, as reported in the Times of India.
⚠️ Security and Travel Advisories Still in Effect
As part of heightened security measures, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has extended special protocols until May 18, including:
Key Measures Implemented:
- Mandatory Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC): All passengers are required to undergo additional security screening at boarding gates, supplementing the standard pre-boarding checks.
- Visitor Restrictions: Entry to airport terminal buildings is now restricted exclusively to ticketed passengers. The sale of visitor entry passes has been suspended to minimize potential security risks.
- Enhanced Surveillance: Airports have been instructed to ensure all CCTV systems are fully operational. Increased monitoring is in place, particularly in cargo areas and private aviation facilities.
- Operational Adjustments: Airlines have advised passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure to accommodate the extended security procedures. Check-in counters will close 75 minutes before flight time.
These measures are part of a comprehensive effort to bolster aviation security in light of recent geopolitical developments. Passengers are urged to cooperate with airport authorities and plan their travel accordingly.
🌍 International Flight Diversions Continue
Although Pakistan reopened its airspace for general flights on Saturday, Indian airlines are still barred from using it.
This affects routes from North India to Europe, the US, and Canada, which now reroute via Mumbai, the Arabian Sea, and Muscat, leading to extended flight durations.
