Operation Sindoor: Flight Cancellations and Airspace Disruptions Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

Introduction

In early May 2025, India launched a precision military operation named Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This decisive action was in retaliation for a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists. The operation led to a significant escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, resulting in widespread disruptions in air travel across the region.

Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures

The immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor saw a substantial impact on both domestic and international air travel. Indian aviation authorities, citing security concerns, implemented extensive flight cancellations and airport closures.

Key Statistics:

• Total Flights Cancelled: Approximately 430 domestic flights, accounting for nearly 3% of India's scheduled services, were cancelled on May 7, 2025 .

• Airports Closed: 27 airports across northern and western India were shut down for commercial operations until May 10, 2025.

Table: Major Airports Affected

These closures were implemented as precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and to keep airspace clear for potential military operations.

Impact on Airlines

The sudden airspace restrictions forced both domestic and international airlines to adjust their operations.

Domestic Carriers:

• Air India: Cancelled flights to and from key airports including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot .

• IndiGo: Grounded approximately 165–160 of its scheduled operations .

• SpiceJet and Akasa Air: Also announced cancellations to affected regions.

International Carriers:

Several foreign airlines rerouted or suspended flights to avoid the conflict zone:

• British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France: Modified routes, leading to increased flight durations.

• EVA Air, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air: Rerouted or suspended flights for security reasons.

Flight tracking data revealed a near-complete shutdown of flights over Pakistan, with only a few aircraft visible.

Passenger Advisory and Compensation

Airlines have issued advisories to passengers affected by the disruptions:

• Rescheduling and Refunds: Passengers can reschedule their flights on the next available service or opt for a full refund without incurring additional charges .

• Travel Insurance: Travelers are advised to check with their insurance providers regarding coverage for delays or cancellations due to geopolitical events.

Broader Implications

The air travel disruptions underscore the broader ramifications of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan:

• Economic Impact: The aviation industry faces significant financial losses due to flight cancellations and rerouting.

• Passenger Inconvenience: Thousands of travelers have been stranded or faced delays, affecting business and personal plans.

• Regional Stability: The situation highlights the fragile nature of peace in the region and the potential for rapid escalation affecting civilian life.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor, while aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats, has led to substantial disruptions in air travel, affecting both domestic and international carriers. The closure of 27 airports and cancellation of hundreds of flights reflect the gravity of the situation. As tensions persist, the aviation industry and passengers alike remain on high alert, hoping for a swift de-escalation and return to normalcy.