India Reopens 32 Airports as Ceasefire Eases Tensions

New Delhi. India has lifted restrictions on 32 airports across northern and western regions, allowing civil flight operations to resume with immediate effect, following a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan over the weekend. The decision, announced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Monday, marks a significant step toward normalizing air travel after days of disruptions caused by heightened tensions between the two nations.

The airports, including major hubs like Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jodhpur, as well as smaller facilities such as Bikaner, Bhuj, and Pathankot, were temporarily closed for civilian flights starting May 7 due to India’s military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor. The operation involved precision strikes on nine terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), launched in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

Initially, 25 airports near the India-Pakistan border or at key Indian Air Force bases were shut until May 10 to ensure civilian air traffic remained out of harm’s way. However, as tensions escalated with Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Indian military installations, the closures were extended to 32 airports until 5:29 AM on May 15, as per Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by Indian aviation authorities. The shutdowns led to significant disruptions, with over 400 flights canceled daily, including 165 by IndiGo, India’s largest airline.

A ceasefire agreement, reportedly brokered through U.S. mediation, was reached on Saturday, May 10, when Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted India’s DGMO at 3:35 PM, agreeing to halt all military actions from 5:00 PM onward. Despite the truce, reports of drone sightings and loud explosions near the border on Saturday night raised concerns, and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan for a brief ceasefire violation involving shelling along the Line of Control (LoC).

On Monday, the AAI revoked the NOTAMs, announcing, “Attention Flyers: The 32 airports previously closed for civil aircraft operations until 05:29 hrs of May 15, 2025, are now available with immediate effect. Travelers are advised to check flight status directly with airlines.” IndiGo responded swiftly, stating, “In line with the latest government directives, the airports are open for operations. We will progressively commence operations on the previously closed routes. As services gradually return to normal, there may still be a few delays and last-minute adjustments.” The airline also extended change and cancellation fee waivers until May 22 for affected routes.

Air India and other carriers, including SpiceJet and Air India Express, are also working to restore services to destinations like Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, and Chandigarh. Chandigarh’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport resumed operations by 10:30 AM on Monday, with officials urging passengers to confirm flight schedules. However, airlines have cautioned that full resumption may take time as they adjust schedules and address logistical challenges.

The closures had a ripple effect across Asia, with international carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa diverting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, which was fully shut to all air traffic until Sunday noon. Pakistan reopened its airspace on Saturday evening but maintained a ban on Indian aircraft, while India’s ban on Pakistani airlines remains in place.

Security at operational Indian airports remains at its highest level, with passengers advised to arrive at least three hours early due to enhanced checks. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport reported 90 flight cancellations on Thursday alone and continues to warn of possible delays due to stricter protocols.