In a significant development for aviation in India, 32 airports across the north and northwestern regions reopened on Monday after being temporarily closed due to airspace restrictions. This decision follows a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, initiated to alleviate rising tensions. The reopening of airport operations marks a crucial step towards restoring normal travel conditions in the affected areas.
The reinstated airports include key hubs such as Srinagar, Amritsar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Leh, and Bikaner. The rejuvenation of airport operations became viable after the Indian Air Force sanctioned the resumption, allowing civil aircraft to take to the skies once more. The Airports Authority of India confirmed the reopening with a notice stating, “Attention flyers; reference notice issued for temporary closure of 32 Airports for civil aircraft operations till 05:29 hrs of May 15, 2025. It is informed that these airports are now available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect.”
While the reopening offers a glimmer of hope for airlines and travelers alike, disruptions continue to loom. Notably, both Chandigarh and Amritsar airports faced a temporary setback late in the evening as authorities declared blackouts following drone sightings in Srinagar. This unsettling development adds a layer of complexity to the already delicate situation.
Airlines are now engaged in a race against time to recalibrate operations and reintegrate some sense of normalcy. Major airline operator IndiGo has cautioned passengers that, despite the official reopening, minor delays and last-minute adjustments may still occur as they attempt to manage a backlog of operations. Close to 1,000 flights were canceled over the past several days due to the airports’ temporary closure, leading to a considerable disruption for travelers.
Air India Express announced plans to recommence its flight schedule beginning Tuesday, aiming to reinstate essential domestic routes such as Jammu-Delhi, Jammu-Srinagar, and Srinagar-Delhi, as well as connecting Hindon-Bengaluru and Hindon-Mumbai. As preparations unfold, the focus of airline management teams is on ensuring effective slot allocation, staff deployment, and managing passenger crowds efficiently.
However, it’s important to note that international flight operations are still grappling with complications due to the closure of air routes over Pakistan. Airlines flying to the Gulf and Western destinations are forced to reroute, adding travel time and operational costs. Reports indicate that Air India’s North American routes are making technical halts in Vienna and Copenhagen to refuel, which disrupts the standard flight duration and operational flow.
On a broader scale, this reopening can be perceived as a positive indication of diplomatic efforts leading to de-escalation, reflecting a cautious approach to restoring air connectivity. However, the air traffic situation remains fragile, and with drone sightings hints that the environment continues to lie on a precipice, the reopening of airport operations must be alongside resilient security measures.
This situation emphasizes the intertwining of aviation operations with geopolitical dynamics. As airport operations resume, the focus will need to be not just on immediate logistics but also on longer-term implications for safety, reliability, and the overall efficiency of air travel in the region. For now, the reopening serves as a small yet significant step towards normalizing air services.
In conclusion, while the resumption of operations at 32 airports across India signals the potential for recovery in the aviation sector, the heightened tensions and ongoing uncertainties call for vigilance and robust strategies to ensure the safety of thousands of passengers who depend on these vital transport links. Travelers are urged to remain informed and be prepared for what could still be an unpredictable travel landscape in the weeks ahead.
