India Shuts 24 Airports Amid Escalating Tensions with Pakistan
On May 7, 2025, India temporarily closed 24 airports across the northern and western regions due to heightened security concerns following missile and drone attacks linked to Pakistan. This drastic measure comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, triggered by the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
Background: The Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor
The Pahalgam attack, attributed to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. The operation involved 24 precision missile strikes targeting nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur. India’s military described the strikes as a “measured and non-escalatory” response to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.
In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly launched drone and missile attacks on May 7-8, targeting military installations in northern and western India, including cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. Indian air defense systems successfully foiled these attempts, downing drones and missiles, but the situation led to widespread disruptions.
Airport Closures: A Precautionary Measure
To ensure public safety and secure airspace amid the ongoing conflict, India shut down 24 airports, primarily in the northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The closures caused the cancellation of over 200 flights, severely impacting air travel in the region. Authorities have stated that the airports will remain closed until at least May 10, 2025, pending further security assessments.
List of Affected Airports
The following airports have been temporarily closed:
- Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir
- Leh, Ladakh
- Amritsar, Punjab
- Chandigarh, Chandigarh
- Pathankot, Punjab
- Adampur, Punjab
- Bathinda, Punjab
- Ludhiana, Punjab
- Jalandhar, Punjab
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
- Jammu Civil Airport, Jammu and Kashmir
- Gaggal, Himachal Pradesh
- Bhuntar, Himachal Pradesh
- Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- Sahnewal, Punjab
- Halwara, Punjab
- Suratgarh, Rajasthan
- Bikaner, Rajasthan
- Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
These closures reflect the gravity of the situation, with the Indian government prioritizing civilian safety amid fears of further retaliatory strikes.
Impact on Air Travel and Regional Security
The sudden closure of these airports has stranded thousands of passengers, with airlines scrambling to reroute flights or issue refunds. The Civil Aviation Ministry has advised travelers to check with airlines for updates before planning journeys to or from the affected regions. Additionally, India has barred Pakistani aircraft from its airspace, mirroring Pakistan’s earlier move to close its airspace to Indian carriers on April 24, 2025.
On the ground, heightened security measures are in place. Schools in six border districts of Punjab have been shut, and mock drills have been conducted in cities like Delhi, Jaisalmer, and other high-risk areas to prepare for potential escalations. Rajasthan, sharing a 1,000-km border with Pakistan, is on high alert, with reports of blackouts in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab due to drone interceptions and power line disruptions.
International Reactions and Calls for De-escalation
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict. The United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom have called for restraint from both nations to avoid further civilian casualties and restore regional stability. The U.K. condemned the Pahalgam attack but urged dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s claims that India’s strikes targeted civilians have been refuted by Indian officials, who insist that only terrorist infrastructure was hit.
What Lies Ahead?
The closure of 24 airports underscores the precarious situation along the India-Pakistan border. While India’s Operation Sindoor aimed to deter further terror attacks, Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes have heightened fears of a broader conflict. Both nations have accused each other of aggression, with Pakistan authorizing “corresponding actions” and India vowing to respond decisively to any escalation.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government continues to monitor developments closely, with the armed forces on high alert. Civilians in border areas are urged to stay vigilant, and travelers are advised to avoid non-essential trips to the affected regions until the situation stabilizes.
