27 Airports Closed Amidst Rising India-Pakistan Tensions. Air India and Akasa Air advise passengers to arrive 3 hours early and carry identification.
Travel Advisory: Escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan have begun to impact air travel. The Indian government temporarily suspended civilian flight operations at 27 airports across the country on Thursday. This decision followed Pakistan's attempts to target several military installations in Indian border regions. In response, India launched 'Operation Sindur', a b counter-offensive that reportedly destroyed Lahore's air defense system.
Airport Closures Disrupt Air Services
Indian security agencies and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have immediately suspended flights at several airports located in sensitive areas across the country. These include, but are not limited to, Srinagar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Hindon, totaling 27 airports. Civilian flights to all these locations have been canceled until further notice due to security concerns.
Airlines Issue Advisories for Passengers
Air India and Akasa Air have issued advisories to passengers, informing them of heightened security measures at airports. Air India advises passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight's scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.
Akasa Air has issued similar instructions, urging passengers to carry government-issued ID for airport entry and to limit carry-on baggage to 7 kilograms. Secondary Layer Point Checking (SLPC) is mandatory for all passengers.
Over 90 Flights Cancelled, Delhi Airport Affected
At least 90 flights, including 5 international flights, were cancelled on Thursday from Delhi airport. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that airport operations remain normal, but increased security and airspace changes have impacted flights.
Status of Other Airlines
Indigo reported that over 165 flights have been cancelled until May 10th due to airspace restrictions.
SpiceJet also stated that several of their flights have been cancelled due to the closure of airports in Dharamshala, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Leh.
Increased Security Measures by Agencies
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airlines and airports to implement stricter security measures. Secondary Layer Point Checking (SLPC) will now be conducted for all passengers, and access to terminal buildings for the general public has been restricted.
Important Suggestions for Passengers
- Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight.
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Limit carry-on baggage to 7 kilograms.
- Check with your airline for real-time updates.
- Avoid rumors; rely only on official information.
