📍 Published: May 7, 2025 | eduinvesting.in
In a turn of events that makes even frequent fliers consider the Indian Railways, several airports across northern India have either been closed or are functioning with restricted airspace following Operation Sindoor — India’s bold retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. While the Indian Air Force flexed precision, the commercial aviation sector is now flexing… its delay notifications.
✈️ What’s Going On in Indian Skies?
Operation Sindoor, which reportedly targeted nine terror launchpads across the border, wasn’t just a military maneuver — it came with aftershocks that rippled through our civilian airways. In coordination with heightened national security, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, in consultation with the Ministry of Defence, has rerouted or suspended operations at at least six major northern airports for 48 hours starting May 7.
Affected airports include:
- Jammu (IXJ)
- Srinagar (SXR)
- Pathankot (IXP)
- Amritsar (ATQ)
- Leh (IXL)
- Udhampur (UHP)
These aren’t your average sleepy airfields. These zones form the arterial connection to border towns, pilgrim routes, and tourist hotspots — and right now, they’re experiencing the aviation equivalent of a power cut.
📉 Airlines Playing ‘Air Musical Chairs’
Major Indian carriers — Indigo, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Air India — are now in a game of “where-can-we-land-now?”
- Indigo issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and offered customers vouchers worth ₹200 (approximately one Maggi meal at Delhi airport).
- SpiceJet promised full refunds or flight rescheduling. Some passengers claimed SpiceJet gave them a travel credit they could only use on Tuesdays between 2–4 AM.
- Air India, true to tradition, simply said, “We appreciate your patience.”
With around 200+ flights impacted, travelers were seen pacing terminals, sipping overpriced coffee, and Googling “Can I walk to Jammu from Delhi?”
🛑 NOTAM: India’s ‘No-Fly Zones’
India issued NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) marking designated ‘no-fly zones’ over northern military air corridors. The aim: provide secure airspace for any ongoing operations and keep civilians out of harm’s way. In short: the Air Force has the skies right now, and no, your SpiceJet ATR is not getting priority.
Impact at a glance:
| Airport | Status | Expected Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu (IXJ) | Fully closed | May 9 (TBD) |
| Srinagar (SXR) | Closed for civilians | May 8 evening |
| Amritsar (ATQ) | Partial delays | May 8 afternoon |
| Pathankot (IXP) | Military-only | Until further notice |
| Leh (IXL) | Visibility-based | Conditional |
| Udhampur (UHP) | Suspended ops | May 9 |
👮 Security Tightens, So Does Patience
Not only are airports shut or delayed, but security has been ramped up at Delhi, Chandigarh, and even Jaipur, anticipating rerouted passengers.
Airlines have increased staff presence, though most passengers claim the staff are only available to say, “Sorry for the inconvenience” in five different tones.
Meanwhile, at Srinagar Airport, reports of long queues were met with additional deployment of CRPF and local police. “People are understandably tense,” said a local CISF officer, “especially those who now have to explain to their boss why they’ll miss Wednesday’s meeting.”
🧳 Passenger Woes: Suitcases and Sighs
Passenger complaints have flooded social media:
- “Told my boss I’d be in Chandigarh by 11 AM. Now I’m having chai in a Ludhiana dhaba. This is not the future I was promised.” – @AngryAnkur
- “Operation Sindoor is brave, but so is my choice to travel without a backup plan.” – @LostInTransit
- “Airlines say refund processed. UPI says no clue.” – Every Indian ever.
🇮🇳 National Pride, But Also National Delay
While the inconvenience is real, Operation Sindoor has garnered massive support on social media. Netizens are trending hashtags like:
- #SkiesForSindoor
- #FlightsMayDelayButIndiaWon’t
- #SindoorSeSolid
“National security comes first. I can miss my cousin’s sangeet if needed,” said Pooja Bansal, who was supposed to land in Amritsar this morning. “But if Indigo loses my luggage again, that’s war.”
📦 Aviation Analysts: ‘Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Airspace Gain’
Experts believe the temporary halt will have minimal long-term impact unless escalations persist.
“Airspace closures are a standard response in conflict zones,” said aviation expert Captain Surya Sharma. “India’s move is cautious but calculated. It’s better than having pilots dodge missiles like it’s an arcade game.”
However, some tour operators and airline analysts expect a revenue dip of ₹180–200 crore due to cancellations and logistical chaos in North India alone this week.
🤔 What Next?
- Airspace restrictions are under 24-hour review.
- Alternate connectivity via train and road is in full gear.
- Some airlines are now considering temporary landing slots at smaller airports like Dharamsala and Chandigarh to ease the pressure.
And the Ministry of Tourism has sneakily started promoting “Undiscovered India” for those now stuck in obscure towns.
🧭 Final Boarding Thoughts
Yes, your flight might be delayed. And yes, your suitcase might be vacationing on its own. But this is also a time of national significance.
Operation Sindoor is a reminder that safety and sovereignty come at a cost — and sometimes that cost is 4 hours of waiting at Terminal 3, eating a cold dosa for ₹310.
