With the deteriorating situation of India and Pakistan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has hindered civilian flights to 32 airports situated in the northern and western parts of India until 15th May, 2025. This action was taken after several military attacks and drone strikes took place, which affected air travel and escalated the tension even more, forcing the country to tighten its security measures.
Western and Northern Air Travel Suspension: Extent and Effects
DGCA’s order impacts major and regional airports like Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Bikaner. Under this order, air traffic will be restricted from the 9th of May till the 15th of May for the sake of protecting the passengers during the ongoing conflict. The Indian Airports Authority (AAI) issued notices to notify the airlines and passengers about the limits that will be in action on the movement of air traffic.
Passengers traveling through Delhi International Indira Gandhi Airport are advised to arrive early, as long wait times will be encountered. In addition, security procedures will take longer than usual. Those using international flights will have to pay more as flights are being diverted to avoid passing through Pakistani airspace, which adds distance, time, and expenses.
Ex-operational Airports Enhanced Security
As a result of the rising violence, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has ordered that airports and airlines step up security vigilance. These policies include increased secondary ladder point checks for all passengers, and no visitors are allowed to enter terminal buildings. To strengthen security, air marshals have been stationed at all airports in India.
To inform the public, passengers are advised to arrive at airports early for departures and to track the flight for possible delays and cancellations. Because of changing situations, both airlines and authorities have announced policies of free waivers and refunds to affected passengers.
Civilian Precautions Prompt Military Escalations
The closure of the airports came with increasing the intensity of military operations at the border between India and Pakistan. Following a brutal terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, India took to missile assaults on Pakistani military installations at Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot. Pakistan responded by hitting places like Pathankot and Udhampur .
These controversies have raised concerns regarding civilian safety, which, in turn, has led to the suspension of civil flight operations in the affected areas. The DGCA’s decision has been made in order to avoid possible infractions of airspace, which could have violative consequences, as well as ensure the safety of the passengers and aircraft operational crew.
Travel and Daily Life Disruptions
A considerable number of flights, over 430, have been cancelled due to the closure of 32 airports, in addition to the severe restrictions on air travel. It has also reported a significant number of delays on additional scheduled flights. The IPL (Indian Premier League) has suspended matches for 1 week at the very least due to the threat of security, whereas the remaining matches of the PSL (Pakistan Super League) have been moved to the UAE.
Public schools and facilities have been shut down in the bombarded regions, such as Jammu and Srinagar, which have witnessed blackout conditions, and currently evacuations are underway. The unrest is still in progress.
Restraint Calls Internationally
The world has shown concern in regard to focusing on the increasing tensions in India and Pakistan. World leaders, including those of America, China, and the G7, have encouraged both nations to contain themselves from escalating the situation further without using force. Diplomatic talk is paramount to avoid deepening the crisis.
Each side, through intermediaries, has indicated a willingness to pause escalation of conflict but retain conditional strings attached. Despite these engagements, military operations persist, and the risk of wider cross-border conflict zones remains a priority threat.
Conclusion: Finding the Middle Ground
India and Pakistan’s saga does not seem to be reaching any form of stagnation. The current crisis is accentuated by the temporary suspension of operations at 32 airports. Automated systems issue announcements concerning security regulations that must be followed. Diplomatic efforts to help mitigate the conflict to enable safe passage for civilians are undermined by calls for restraint from global powers.
