Delhi Airport Issues Travel Advisory As India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate
As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has resumed normal operations but issued a detailed advisory to travellers, warning of potential disruptions due to increased security measures and altered airspace regulations.
The advisory, released on Saturday, emphasised the need for travelers to stay updated and prepared for possible delays. "Delhi Airport operations are normal at present. However, due to changing airspace conditions and increased security measures as per orders from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules might be impacted, and security checkpoint processing times could be longer," the airport said in a statement.
Passengers have been urged to keep in touch with their respective airlines, follow all baggage regulations, and reach the airport early to accommodate any extended security checks. “Stay informed with updates from their airlines. Follow hand baggage and check-in luggage rules. Arrive early to allow for potential delays at security checks. Cooperate with airline and security staff for smooth processing. Check flight status via their airline or the official Delhi Airport website,” the advisory outlined.
It further added, “We encourage all passengers to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content.”
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Over Two Dozen Airports Shut Until May 15; Airlines Cancel Flights
The advisory comes amid widespread air travel disruption across northern and western India. At least 24 airports—including key hubs like Srinagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Leh—have been shut for civilian use until 05:29 hours on May 15. Initially, these airports were closed only until May 10, reported PTI.
The Airports Authority of India and aviation authorities earlier issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), temporarily suspending civil operations at 32 airports in total. The extended closures affect several locations, including Ludhiana, Shimla, Dharamsala, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Bhuj, and Jamnagar.
In response to the ongoing situation, Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. “Customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations,” the airline posted on X.
IndiGo also announced that it will halt operations to and from ten cities—including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala—until 0529 hours on May 15. “These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority,” the airline stated.
Conflict Drives Aviation Disruptions
These developments follow intensified military action under Operation Sindoor, in which Indian armed forces struck terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was launched in retaliation for last month’s Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people.
As security remains a top priority, further advisories and adjustments are expected over the coming days. Travellers are encouraged to follow verified channels for real-time updates.
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