AAI suspends flight operations at 32 airports till May 15; check full list here

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has decided to suspend flight operations at 32 airports until May 15, according to the latest notification by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. However, operations at Delhi airport continues to be remain normal, though some flights may be affected due to "evolving airspace conditions", Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) clarified in a post on X.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have announced the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations until May 15, the ministry's release noted. “The AAI and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations, effective from 9th  to 14th  May 2025 (which corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025), due to operational reasons,” the statement read.

List of affected airports

The list of airports include Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur and Kandla.

The other affected airports are Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.

The release further stated that AAI has also extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) due to operational reasons. “As per NOTAM G0555/25 (which replaces G0525/25), the 25 route segments will remain unavailable from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on 14th May 2025 (which corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025).”

Airlines and flight operators have been advised to plan alternate routings as per current air traffic advisories. The temporary closure is being managed in coordination with relevant ATC units to ensure safety and minimise disruption, the release noted.

Meanwhile, all airlines have advised passengers to arrive early to accommodate potential delays at security checkpoints. They have been also directed to stay informed and check flight status via their respective airlines or the official website.

Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have urged passengers across India to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure.