Airports closure extended to May 15 morning now amid India-Pakistan tensions

NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in north, western and central India including Srinagar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Rajkot will remain closed till 5.29am on May 15, as of now.The notice to airmen for these airports’ closure was extended following the targeting of cities and civilians in India by Pakistan on the night of May 8-9. The closed airports include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Shimla, Bhuntar, Kangra-Gaggal, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla and Bhuj.IndiGo said X Friday: “All flights to & from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Rajkot are cancelled till 5.29 am on May 15 due to temporary airport closures.” IndiGo added bookings made on or before May 8 are eligible for change/cancellation fee waiver for travel until May 22, 2025, to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Rajkot.Air India said: “Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 5.29 am on May 15, pending further updates. 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.”Hundreds of flights are being cancelled accordingly as the airspace closure is due to safety reasons. India saw about 4.4 lakh domestic passengers on Thursday on just over 2,900 flights. On Wednesday, this number was 4.45 lakh on 2,960 flights. And on Tuesday, 4.8 lakh domestic flyers on over 3,270 flights.Airlines and airports have started asking passengers to report early for their flights in wake of heightened security measures, including 100% pre-boarding secondary checks for flyers. Air India said X Friday: “In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least 3 hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding.Check-in closes 75 mins before departure.”Delhi Airport said: “…due to changing airspace dynamics and enhanced security protocols, some flight schedules and processing times at security checkpoints may be affected. Passengers are advised to: Follow updates and instructions provided by their respective airlines; Comply with hand baggage and check-in luggage regulations; allow extra time for security checks due to heightened measures; cooperate with airline and security personnel for smooth facilitation.”