NEW DELHI – India has extended the closure of 24 airports near its border with Pakistan until May 15, following escalating tensions and aerial threats in the wake of recent cross-border military actions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that the affected airports will remain shut until 5:29 AM next Thursday, citing security concerns after Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes in response to India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.
The airports impacted by the closure include key locations in Punjab (Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot), Himachal Pradesh (Bhuntar, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal), the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir (Srinagar, Jammu), Ladakh (Leh), Rajasthan (Kishengarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner), and Gujarat (Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj). Airlines including Air India and IndiGo have cancelled flights to and from the affected airports and are offering passengers full refunds or a one-time rescheduling waiver.
The closures and disruptions follow India’s air strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, which targeted camps associated with banned groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistan responded with drone and missile launches toward Indian regions in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, although Indian air defence systems reportedly intercepted the incoming threats. In light of the situation, aviation security has been significantly heightened across the country. Airlines have advised passengers to reach airports at least three hours before departure, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled due to airspace restrictions.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has mandated enhanced screening protocols, including Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers. Visitor access to terminal buildings has been suspended, and Air Marshals will be deployed as necessary to maintain order and ensure safety. The extended airport closures mark a continuing phase of heightened alert and readiness amid the broader regional tensions between India and Pakistan.