Aviation Chaos Unleashed: 25 Airports Shut After Operation Sindoor Strikes – 7 Shocking Impacts on Travel & Security

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, conducting missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, retaliating against a recent attack in Pahalgam. The move triggered unprecedented aviation chaos: 25 airports near the Indo-Pak border—including Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar—were abruptly closed, canceling 300+ flights. Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet suspended operations, stranding passengers and offering refunds or rescheduling. International carriers, including United and Qatar Airways, halted India-Pakistan routes amid airspace shutdowns.

The closures, lasting until May 10, underscored the tension between national security and economic disruption, costing airlines millions daily. While the strikes targeted terror infrastructure, the fallout highlighted vulnerabilities in crisis preparedness and the cascading impact of geopolitical conflicts on civilian life. Authorities urged travelers to avoid non-essential trips as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions continued.

Aviation Chaos Unleashed: 25 Airports Shut After Operation Sindoor Strikes – 7 Shocking Impacts on Travel & Security

India’s northern and western regions faced unprecedented aviation disruptions on May 7, 2025, as authorities closed 25 airports and canceled over 300 flights in the wake of military strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Codenamed Operation Sindoor, the retaliatory action—triggered by a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed security personnel—has reshaped air travel dynamics, leaving passengers stranded and airlines scrambling to adapt.  

The Catalyst: Precision Strikes and Airspace Shutdowns 

India’s armed forces launched missile strikes on nine terror hubs, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Bahawalpur base and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Muridke camp, in one of the largest cross-border operations in decades. To mitigate risks from potential aerial retaliation, India preemptively shut airspace near the Indo-Pak border, grounding flights at critical airports such as Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jodhpur. The closure, effective until May 10, disrupted both domestic and international routes, with Pakistan also halting its airspace, impacting global carriers.  

Airlines in Crisis Mode 

Major Indian carriers faced operational chaos:  

• IndiGo: Canceled 165+ flights across 11 airports, offering refunds or rescheduling.  

• Air India & Air India Express: Halted 140 flights, prioritizing passenger safety and flexibility.  

• SpiceJet: Suspended services to Leh, Jammu, and Dharamshala, urging travelers to rebook.  

• Akasa Air: Paused all Srinagar operations until May 9. 

International airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines canceled U.S.-India routes, while Qatar Airways halted Pakistan flights. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport saw 140 cancellations, underscoring the ripple effect on transit hubs.  

Passenger Fallout: Stranded and Stressed 

Travelers faced uncertainty as airlines scrambled to communicate updates. Social media buzzed with complaints about delayed refunds and scarce alternatives. Aviation authorities advised passengers to:  

1. Contact airlines directly for real-time updates.  

1. Opt for refunds or rescheduling without penalty.  

1. Avoid non-essential travel to affected regions until stability returns. 

In Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, school closures compounded public anxiety, highlighting the operation’s broader societal impact.  

Strategic and Economic Implications 

• Security vs. Connectivity: The shutdown underscores the delicate balance between national security and economic continuity. Northern India’s aviation corridor, vital for tourism and trade, faces prolonged strain.  

• Airline Losses: With cancellations costing millions daily, airlines grapple with financial hits amid rising fuel prices and operational complexities.  

• Geopolitical Tensions: The strikes mark a significant escalation, testing diplomatic channels. Analysts warn of prolonged airspace restrictions if hostilities persist. 

Looking Ahead 

While India’s decisive action against terrorism has drawn domestic praise, the aviation crisis reveals vulnerabilities in crisis preparedness. As airports aim to reopen by May 10, focus shifts to:  

• Diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate tensions.  

• Enhanced coordination between defense and aviation sectors for future contingencies.  

• Investment in regional infrastructure to reduce reliance on border-adjacent airports. 

\Operation Sindoor exemplifies modern conflict’s cascading consequences—where military strategy intersects with civilian life. As travelers await normalcy, the episode serves as a stark reminder of how geopolitical flashpoints can upend everyday realities, urging nations to weigh security imperatives against economic and human costs.