200+ Flights Cancelled and 18 India Airports closed in May 2025

Travel chaos hit India on May 7, 2025, with over 200 flights cancelled and 18 airports closed in northern and western regions. The disruptions, caused by India military operation named Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan, have affected thousands of passengers. Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have halted services until at least 5:29 AM IST on May 10, 2025. This article explains the India flight cancellations 2025, lists affected airports, airlines, and offers tips for travelers, using data up to May 8, 2025. Written in simple English, it helps passengers from India, the US, or elsewhere navigate the situation.

Why Are Flights Cancelled?

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. The operation involved missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to airspace restrictions across northern and western India. As a result:

• Airport Closures: 18 airports, including Srinagar and Delhi, were shut for civilian flights until May 10, 2025, at 5:29 AM IST.
• Flight Cancellations: Over 200 flights were grounded, with IndiGo cancelling 165 alone. Some sources report up to 300 cancellations.
• Airspace Limits: Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers, forcing reroutes for international flights to Europe and North America, adding costs and delays.

The restrictions aim to ensure safety during heightened tensions, but they’ve disrupted travel plans across India and beyond.

Affected Airports

The following 18 airports in northern and western India are closed until at least May 10, 2025, at 5:29 AM IST:

• Srinagar
• Jammu
• Leh
• Amritsar
• Chandigarh
• Jodhpur
• Jaisalmer
• Jamnagar
• Bhuj
• Rajkot
• Gwalior
• Dharamshala
• Shimla
• Pathankot
• Hindon
• Bikaner
• Kishangarh
• Kandla

Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, India busiest hub, saw at least 35 flights cancelled, including domestic and international services. Check airport status at indigo.in or airindia.com before traveling.

Affected Airlines

Major Indian and foreign airlines have cancelled flights to and from the closed airports. Key updates include:

• IndiGo: Cancelled 165 flights across 11 cities, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. Offers full refunds or free rescheduling until May 10, 2025.
• Air India: Halted services to Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. Two international flights to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi. Provides fee waivers or refunds.
• Air India Express: Cancelled flights to Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until May 10, 2025, at 5:30 AM IST. Offers refunds or rescheduling.
• SpiceJet: Suspended flights to Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar until May 10, 2025. Passengers can get refunds or book alternate flights.
• Akasa Air: Cancelled all flights to and from Srinagar and Jammu. Updates available at akasaair.com.
• Star Air: Grounded flights to Nanded, Hindon, Adampur, Kishangarh, and Bhuj for May 7, 2025.
• Foreign Airlines: United Airlines (Newark to Delhi), American Airlines (New York to Delhi), and Qatar Airways (to Pakistan) cancelled or rerouted flights due to airspace issues.

Key Details Table

Aspect	Details
Flights Cancelled	Over 200 (up to 300 reported)
Airports Closed	18 in northern and western India
Closure Duration	Until 5:29 AM IST, May 10, 2025
Major Airlines Affected	IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
Refund/Rescheduling	Full refunds or free rescheduling offered

Impact on Travelers

The India flight cancellations 2025 have caused widespread disruption:

• Domestic Travel: Thousands of passengers are stranded, with IndiGo’s 165 cancellations affecting its 2,200 daily flights. Delhi saw 23 domestic departures and 8 arrivals cancelled.
• International Travel: Pakistan airspace closure has forced airlines to reroute flights to Europe, North America, and Central Asia, increasing travel time and costs. Air India estimates $600 million in losses if the ban lasts a year.
• Sports Events: The Mumbai Indians’ travel for an IPL 2025 match in Dharamshala on May 11, 2025, was delayed, with the team possibly traveling by road.
• Passenger Options: Airlines are offering full refunds or free rescheduling. IndiGo and Air India allow changes via their websites or apps.

Posts on X show travelers frustrated by sudden cancellations, with some urging others to check flight status before heading to airports.

Tips for Affected Travelers

To navigate the India flight cancellations 2025, follow these steps:

1. Check Flight Status: Visit indigo.in, airindia.com, or akasaair.com for real-time updates before going to the airport.
2. Request Refunds: Contact your airline for a full refund if your flight is cancelled. IndiGo and Air India process refunds via their websites.
3. Reschedule Flights: Use free rescheduling options for the next available flight. Book early, as slots are limited.
4. Avoid Affected Airports: Plan alternate routes avoiding closed airports like Srinagar or Amritsar. Consider southern hubs like Bengaluru or Mumbai.
5. Monitor Updates: Check airline websites or airport sites like delhiairport.in for news on reopenings, expected by May 10, 2025.
6. Plan International Travel: Expect delays for flights to Europe or North America due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. Contact airlines for rerouting options.
7. Stay Safe: Follow travel advisories at gov.uk or state.gov for updates on regional tensions.

What’s Next?

The 18 airports are set to remain closed until 5:29 AM IST on May 10, 2025, but this could extend if tensions persist. Pakistan airspace closure may continue, impacting international routes. Airlines are working to resume services, with IndiGo and Air India updating passengers via X and their websites. An expected surge in demand after May 10 could lead to higher fares, so book early. Monitor indigo.in or airindia.com for the latest information.

Conclusion

The India flight cancellations 2025, triggered by Operation Sindoor, have grounded over 200 flights and closed 18 airports, including Srinagar and Delhi, until May 10, 2025. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and others are offering refunds or rescheduling. The table above summarizes key details. Check flight status at indigo.in, airindia.com, or akasaair.com, and follow gov.uk for travel advisories. Plan ahead to avoid disruptions and stay updated for a smooth journey.