In a significant disruption of air travel, IndiGo has announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from key cities including Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot scheduled for May 13, 2025. This decision comes in light of ongoing safety concerns arising from recent geopolitical tensions in the region.
On their official social media channels, IndiGo emphasized that the safety of passengers remains their top priority. In a post on X, the airline stated, “In light of the latest developments and with your safety as our utmost priority, flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot are cancelled for 13th May 2025. We regret the inconvenience caused and are actively monitoring the situation.” This announcement underscores the airline’s commitment to passenger safety amidst a backdrop of uncertainty.
Travelers have been strongly advised to check their flight statuses on the IndiGo website or app before heading to airports. Previously, the airline had faced complications when it had to divert a flight from Delhi to Amritsar back to the national capital due to the activation of blackouts in Amritsar, reflecting the strategic measures being adopted in response to the current security landscape.
The backdrop of these cancellations is the reopening of 32 airports across northern and northwestern India, which had seen closure due to significant airspace restrictions stemming from recent military activities. Authorities have confirmed the resumption of operations at these airports following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, allowing commercial flights to resume.
Among the reopened airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Leh, which are crucial for both domestic and international travel. The Airports Authority of India announced that civil aircraft operations could restart after receiving clearance from the Indian Air Force.
However, chaos ensued as both Amritsar and Chandigarh airports were reportedly closed again late Monday night after blackouts were enacted due to drone sightings near Srinagar. This highlights the fragile nature of the current situation, as air travel continues to be impacted regularly.
As the aviation industry strives to return to normalcy, airport authorities and airlines face the daunting task of coordinating flight schedules, reallocating slots, and managing the flow of passengers effectively. The recent disruptions resulted in nearly 1,000 flight cancellations over the past four days, demonstrating the significant impact of the ongoing geopolitical unrest.
IndiGo, which services a substantial number of these airports, is preparing for potential delays and continued adjustments as they work to reinstate operations. Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and attentive to updates from the airline regarding their travel plans.
While the easing of airspace restrictions is hopeful for travelers, the reality of operational hiccups like airport closures and flight cancellations serves as a reminder of the instability that can arise in such circumstances. The airline industry is now tasked with navigating these complexities while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its passengers.
It remains to be seen how long the situation will stabilize and what further steps may be necessary to protect travelers in this unpredictable atmosphere. Airlines like IndiGo will need to remain nimble to adapt to new challenges as they arise, often with little notice. As the week progresses, passengers should stay connected for the latest travel updates and advisories.
