India halts civilian flights at 32 airports until 15 May

The Indian government has suspended civilian flight operations at 32 airports in northern and western regions of the country until May 15, amid intensifying hostilities with Pakistan.

The shutdown affects airports in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and the India-administered portion of Kashmir.

"The Airports Authority of India and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations," said a statement from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The conflict has been escalating since Wednesday, following India’s deadly airstrikes on targets located in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

In addition to the airport closures, the Airports Authority of India has also suspended operations along 25 Air Traffic Service route segments in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions, citing operational concerns.

Airlines have been advised to adjust their routes according to the latest air traffic advisories.
"The temporary closure is being managed in coordination with relevant Air Traffic Control units to ensure safety and minimize disruption," the ministry said.

According to Indian officials, the recent strikes were in retaliation for the killing of 26 people last month by gunmen in the India-controlled part of Kashmir.

Since the strikes, both sides have been engaged in intense cross-border attacks, using missiles, drones, and artillery along the Line of Control and other border areas.

The airport closures have caused widespread disruption, with hundreds of flights cancelled or rerouted over the past three days.