Air traffic has resumed at 32 airports in northern and northwestern India after the lifting of airspace restrictions imposed amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. On Monday, India&rsquo;s aviation regulator confirmed the reopening following the announcement of a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated that airports including Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Amritsar are now open for civil aviation operations.&nbsp;
In an official communication, the AAI said, &ldquo;Attention Flyers; reference notice issued for temporary closure of 32 Airports for civil Aircraft operations till 05:29 hrs of 15 May 2025. It is informed that these Airports are now available for civil Aircraft operations with immediate effect.&rdquo;
The full list of reopened airports comprises Adhampur, Ambala, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Halwara, Hindon, Jammu, Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
The AAI also advised passengers to confirm flight schedules directly with airlines and keep track of updates through the carriers&rsquo; official websites.
Major commercial airlines, including budget operators IndiGo and SpiceJet, have restarted services at the affected airports. Both airline personnel and airport authorities are working together to facilitate a seamless return to standard operations, which includes reassigning flight slots, managing passenger movement, and deploying staff accordingly.
The initial suspension of flights applied to 24 airports as announced on Friday, and was subsequently extended to cover 32 airports by Saturday. A series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued that day confirmed the temporary suspension of operations.
The closure was triggered by India&rsquo;s launch of Operation Sindoor, a military campaign targeting terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Within hours of the operation's commencement, flight tracking platforms revealed a lack of civilian aircraft movement near the border, suggesting the implementation of airspace restrictions from late Wednesday.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched missile and drone strikes aimed at Indian military installations and civilian areas. Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted these attacks.&nbsp;
Videos capturing the resulting aerial engagements circulated widely online, demonstrating the volatile conditions that led to the decision to suspend flights.
India had already restricted its airspace to Pakistani airlines as of April 30, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed by what authorities described as Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.&nbsp;
Pakistan denied involvement and called for an independent inquiry, but Indian defence officials presented evidence at a series of press briefings, asserting that approximately 100 terrorists were neutralised during Operation Sindoor in both Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
The temporary airport closures caused the cancellation of more than 500 flights. Airlines responded by offering passengers full refunds or the option to reschedule their travel plans.
In a further escalation, India accused Pakistan of using civilian aircraft to shield military activity, prompting Pakistan to shut down its entire airspace to civil aviation.
The ceasefire agreement was jointly announced by both nations on Saturday.
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Over 500 flights affected as India lifts airspace curbs, resumes operations at 32 key northern airports

India Reopens 32 Airports After Ceasefire with Pakistan

Over 500 flights affected as India lifts airspace curbs, resumes operations at 32 key northern airports

May 12, 2025 | 20:17 IST

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