In a significant development, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) early on Saturday, announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India. The closure, effective immediately, will last until 5:29 am on May 15. During this period, all civil flight activities at these airports will be suspended, in line with heightened security and airspace restrictions.
The airports impacted by this decision include key facilities such as Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai. The Airports Authority of India did not specify the reasons for the closures, but the move appears to be part of ongoing security measures amid heightened tensions in the region.
In response to these measures, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) issued an advisory at 6 am on Saturday, confirming that operations at the airport remain normal for now. However, with evolving airspace conditions and increased security protocols as directed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the airport cautioned that certain flight schedules may experience delays, and security checkpoint processing times could be longer than usual.
The advisory for Delhi passengers urged them to stay informed about their flights through official airline channels and the Delhi Airport website, in order to avoid confusion. Travelers were also advised to arrive early to accommodate the possibility of delays at security checks, adhere to luggage regulations, and cooperate with airport and airline staff to ensure smooth processing.
Moreover, Delhi Airport emphasized the importance of relying solely on official sources for accurate information, and it urged passengers to refrain from sharing unverified content that could lead to confusion during this time of uncertainty.
Impact on Civil Aviation and Passengers
As the closure of these airports continues, travelers across northern and western India may face disruptions to their flight plans. This temporary suspension of operations comes as part of heightened security measures in the wake of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The AAI and relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working alongside aviation stakeholders to ensure the safety of passengers and maintain a seamless travel experience.
For those flying out of or into airports in the affected regions, it is crucial to remain up to date with official advisories and stay in close contact with airlines for any changes to flight schedules.
As security measures continue to evolve, the Airports Authority of India assures the public that efforts will be made to ensure the resumption of normal operations as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Passengers are urged to plan their travels accordingly and to remain patient as this situation develops.
Sources By Agencies
