Airports Authority of India Reopens 32 Airports Amid Tensions

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially started reopening 32 airports across northern and western India after their temporary closure due to India-Pakistan tensions. The shutdown, which had disrupted civil flight operations, was extended until May 15 following increased concerns over a potential conflict involving drones, missile strikes, and long-range weapons. With the situation now stabilizing, the AAI issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) announcing that both domestic airports and international flight routes are being reopened. The move aims to gradually normalize flight schedules and resume air travel operations across the affected regions.

Airports Reopened After Temporary Closure

In response to the improved security environment, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued multiple NOTAMs for the safe reopening of airports. A separate notice also confirmed that 25 international flight routes previously restricted have now resumed full operations. This announcement brings relief to passengers facing rerouted flights and cancellations.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials stated that although airports can be reopened quickly, the resumption of flights depends on the airlines’ internal planning and route scheduling. Flight operations are expected to ramp up steadily as carriers reintroduce services across key routes.

Airports Authority of India Reopens Airports in Northern and Western India

Several airports under the Mumbai Flight Information Region have already resumed operations. These include:

Mundra
Jamnagar
Rajkot
Porbandar
Kandla
Keshod
Bhuj

Additionally, many north Indian airports have also been notified for reopening, especially those located near the border areas:

Srinagar
Jammu
Hindon
Sarsawa
Uttarlai
Awantipur
Ambala
Kullu
Ludhiana
Kishangarh
Patiala
Shimla
Kangra
Bathinda
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Bikaner
Halwara
Pathankot
Leh
Chandigarh

IAF indicates quiet night at border

Reopening of airspace was done after the Indian Air Force (IAF) reported that there was no hostile activity seen on the previous night. The situation at the India-Pakistan border, including Jammu and Kashmir, was reported to be quiet. The quiet night was the first since the increased military activity for days.

The Indian Army had conducted Operation Sindoor last week, with precision strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These aerial attacks were conducted in response to the April 22 terror attack that left people dead in Pahalgam.

Delhi airport functional, but with a delay
Though the Delhi airport was in operation during the airspace closure, many flights were delayed because of route diversions and increased security. Passengers waited for extended hours at security points under the increased security measures enforced nationwide.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has sent instructions to enforce stringent security procedures at all major airports, which will continue up to May 18. They include:

Limitations on arrival of visitors in terminals

Suspension of visitor passes

Verification of excess baggage at boarding gates

Enhanced random inspection of passengers

Passenger travel advisories issued

As a result of enhanced security and changed airspace usage, passengers should report at least three hours prior to departure. Airlines too have revised their procedures, closing check-in counters 75 minutes prior to flight departure to conform to the new regulations.

Numerous stranded passengers were given a one-time waiver of rescheduling charges or a refund, depending on the airline cancellation policy.

International routes impacted due to Pakistan airspace closure

While Pakistan reopened its airspace to international airlines on Saturday, it remains closed to Indian airlines and Indian-registered aircraft. Consequently, long-haul flights from north India to Europe, the US and Canada are being diverted. These flights go through Mumbai airspace, the Arabian Sea and Muscat before heading to their final destinations. Airlines have had to change operations because of the Pakistan airspace closure on April 24, which added to flight durations and fuel expenditures.