India Suspends Flights Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan, Airports in Northern Regions Affected

 

New Delhi, May 8, 2025 —Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended flight operations at several airports in northern India, including Jammu, Amritsar, and Srinagar. The suspension comes after India's missile strikes on Pakistan, and it is expected to last until May 10, 2025. Civil aviation authorities in Pakistan have resumed operations, but heightened security measures are in place.

 In response to heightened military tensions following India's missile strikes on Pakistan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the suspension of flight operations from over two dozen airports across northern and western India. Airports in Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Dharamshala, and Rajkot are among those affected. Major Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights, advising passengers to reschedule their travel plans. The suspension is expected to last until at least Saturday, May 10, 2025. AP News+2The Washington Post+2Spectrum News 13+2The Independent+1AP News+1AP News

Pakistan Resumes Flight Operations

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has confirmed the resumption of flight operations nationwide after a brief suspension at four major airports. The PCAA emphasized that airspace management continues under heightened safety protocols, with both domestic and international flights operating as usual. However, the authority expressed deep concern over India's missile strikes, describing them as "reckless and provocative," and warned of severe risks posed to civilian flights. People's Daily+2Spectrum News 13+2The Washington Post+2Pakistan Today

Global Airline Responses

International airlines have adjusted their operations in light of the escalating conflict. Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad have canceled or rerouted flights to and from airports in India and Pakistan. For instance, Emirates suspended flights from Dubai to Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, while continuing services to Karachi. Similarly, Air India has canceled all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until May 10. AeroTime

Travel Advisory

Travelers are advised to monitor updates from their respective airlines and the DGCA for the latest information on flight operations. Given the ongoing security concerns, non-essential travel to the affected regions is strongly discouraged. Passengers are encouraged to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport and to be prepared for potential delays or cancellations.