As geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan flare up following India’s pre-dawn army operation, Operation Sindoor, the aviation sector throughout South Asia and the Center East has been thrown into disarray. The strike, which focused terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault, has triggered airspace restrictions leading to cascading flight cancellations and rerouting by main international and regional carriers.
Because of the prevailing scenario within the area, Srinagar airport has been closed for civil operations. Because of this, all flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled.
North India airports shut
Indian carriers together with Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued pressing travel advisories warning passengers of flight disruptions to and from key northern cities:
– Air India Categorical confirmed cancellations to Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until noon Might 7, urging passengers to reconfirm standing on its web site.
– IndiGo reported disruptions affecting flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala, advising vacationers to test standing at their web site.
– SpiceJet introduced indefinite closure of airports in Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, and warned of potential cascading results on different routes.
– Akasa Air confirmed flight cancellations to Srinagar, citing the airport’s closure for civil operations, alongside disruptions in Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow on account of scheduled runway upkeep.As well as, Air India introduced a broader halt of operations to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot till 0529 hrs IST on 10 Might, following an aviation directive.
Ripple impact throughout Gulf carriers
Within the UAE, Dubai Worldwide Airport and Zayed Worldwide Airport (Abu Dhabi) skilled a number of delays and cancellations of flights certain for northern India. Emirates, flydubai, and different regional carriers adjusted their schedules on account of sudden airspace closures.
Following the Pahalgam terror incident, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor. This motion disrupted air journey in northern India. Airports suspended operations, impacting cities like Jammu and Srinagar. Airways issued advisories for passengers. Worldwide flights had been diverted. Safety elevated in key areas. The worldwide neighborhood urged restraint amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. Passengers ought to keep knowledgeable.
Qatar Airways suspended companies to Pakistan, citing security issues, and is monitoring the scenario carefully. Different international airways—Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Swiss, and Emirates—are actively avoiding Pakistani airspace, considerably impacting east-west flight corridors.The army strike—focusing on terror infrastructure with out partaking Pakistani army belongings—has led to heightened alert ranges throughout regional aviation authorities. In keeping with protection sources, the operation was fastidiously designed to keep away from civilian casualties and army confrontation whereas delivering a powerful retaliatory message following the April 22 bloodbath in Jammu & Kashmir.
What this implies for journey & commerce?
With a number of airports closed or beneath restricted operations, journey and cargo disruptions are anticipated to proceed. B2B journey stakeholders—together with OTAs, freight handlers, TMCs, and aviation companions—are urged to watch advisories and keep real-time coordination with carriers.
Trade insiders word that rerouting round Pakistani airspace is more likely to enhance flight durations, working prices, and insurance coverage premiums within the close to time period. The scenario stays fluid, and travellers are strongly suggested to substantiate flight standing instantly with airways or journey brokers earlier than continuing to airports.
