India Resumes Civil Operations at 32 Airports Following Ceasefire Agreement with Pakistan
The central government on May 12 announced the immediate reopening of 32 airports that were temporarily closed due to heightened military tensions with Pakistan, including key hubs in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This major resumption follows a ceasefire agreement reached on May 10, two days after Indian forces conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror locations in Pakistan on May 7.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that a revised Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, allowing civil aviation to resume at airports previously expected to remain closed until 5:20 AM on May 15. “These airports are now available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect,” AAI stated.
Highlights:
32 airports across northwestern India reopened on May 12 after military conflict pause
Ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan came into effect on May 10
Earlier shutdown impacted over 450 domestic flights, per airline estimates
Flight Operations and Airspace Routes Restored; Airlines Advise Vigilance
India’s largest carrier IndiGo confirmed on May 12 that it would progressively restart operations on previously suspended routes, following government directives. Alongside the resumption of airport operations, AAI also reopened 25 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route segments within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs), restoring key civilian air corridors.
The AAI has urged passengers to verify flight statuses directly with airlines and monitor airline websites for real-time updates, as routes and schedules may undergo frequent adjustments during the transition back to full operations.
Highlights:
IndiGo and other carriers to progressively resume flights on affected routes
25 ATS segments within Delhi and Mumbai FIRs reopened for civilian traffic
Passengers advised to check flight status directly with airlines
Pakistan Also Lifts Domestic Airspace Curbs But Retains Ban on Indian Flights
In a parallel development, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) also lifted its own airspace restrictions on May 10 evening following the ceasefire. However, the ban on Indian aircraft using Pakistani airspace, first implemented on April 24, remains in effect, as confirmed by the PCAA’s NOTAM status, which still lists the restriction as ‘Valid’.
Similarly, India continues to restrict Pakistani airlines and aircraft from entering its airspace. The dual restrictions indicate that while civil aviation operations have normalized domestically, cross-border air transit remains restricted due to unresolved diplomatic issues.
Highlights:
Pakistan lifts internal airspace ban but keeps Indian aircraft ban intact
India’s restrictions on Pakistani flights also remain in place
Cross-border civil aviation corridors still non-operational
List of Temporarily Closed and Now Reopened Airports Across Multiple States
The airports that were shut between May 8 and May 12 include both civilian terminals and military air bases, many of which are located near India’s western border. Among them were Awantipur (J&K), Ambala (Haryana), Adampur (Punjab), Naliya (Gujarat), Thoise (Ladakh), Sarsawa (UP), and Uttarlai (Rajasthan).
Additional airfields impacted by the shutdown included Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Mundra, and Bhuj.
Military-run airports used for defense and charter operations were also closed during this period, with secondary alerts issued for civilian terminals in cities with sensitive defense installations.
Highlights:
Full list includes key airports in J&K, Himachal, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat
Both civil and defense-run airports were affected by May 8 NOTAM
All 32 airports are now operational again, following May 12 update
Security Measures Tightened Across Indian Airports Amid Drone Threats
Even as civil operations resume, the Centre has increased nationwide airport security following multiple drone sightings, particularly near the Jammu airport on May 8, prompting alerts from intelligence agencies. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have issued a joint directive to elevate security to the highest level.
This includes mandatory secondary security checks (Ladder Point Security Check – LPSC) at all Indian airports and banning visitor entry into terminals. Additional deployment of air marshals is also underway based on real-time threat assessments and passenger flow metrics.
Highlights:
Drone threat prompts highest level of airport security across India
Ladder Point Security Check (LPSC) mandated nationwide
Air marshals deployed; visitor entry to terminals banned temporarily
Tourism Sector Takes a Hit as Tensions Triggered Widespread Disruption
The airspace closures from May 8 and subsequent flight cancellations had a visible impact on tourism and travel-related stocks. Markets reacted negatively on May 9, reflecting investor anxiety over geopolitical risk in the subcontinent. With major tourist hubs like Shimla, Leh, Srinagar, and Amritsar affected, both domestic and inbound travel faced temporary disruption.
Though operations have resumed, stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry caution that it may take weeks to normalize bookings and traveller confidence, especially with cross-border tensions unresolved.
Highlights:
Over 450 domestic flights cancelled between May 8-12
Travel and tourism stocks declined sharply in May 9 trade
Domestic travel demand to recover gradually following resumption
