Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has issued an advisory warning passengers about potential flight cancellations and delays on May 7, 2025.
The disruptions stem from heightened airspace restrictions, imposed as part of India’s military response under Operation Sindhoor. These curbs have led to significant air traffic management challenges, not only in Bengaluru but across several regions. The advisory, issued by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), follows the escalation of tensions and military activity in response to a recent terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian Air Force’s precision strikes on terror infrastructure, which formed part of Operation Sindhoor, have resulted in temporary closures of airports in northern India. As a result, air traffic in and out of key regions has been rerouted or suspended, causing cascading delays across the country. Bengaluru, a crucial air travel hub, has not been spared from this disruption.
In its statement, BIAL confirmed that several flights were either cancelled or rerouted. The airport urged passengers to check flight statuses with their respective airlines, advising them to stay updated through official communication channels. While the Ministry of Civil Aviation has yet to announce a nationwide flight ban, the coordination between civil aviation authorities and defence agencies continues to manage the airspace securely, ensuring minimal disruptions to essential flights. The situation is further compounded by the impact of Operation Sindhoor on civilian travel. In addition to flight cancellations, the heightened military activity and sensitive airspace management measures have prompted the rerouting of flights, further exacerbating the congestion at Bengaluru’s airport. BIAL officials have expressed gratitude for passengers’ understanding during this unprecedented time, acknowledging the inconvenience caused.
Despite these challenges, the airport management has remained focused on providing clear guidance to travellers. Passengers are urged to check the status of their flights directly with airlines and remain vigilant to updates provided through BIAL’s customer care and airport information desks. The advisory has been framed as a precautionary measure, with the primary goal being passenger safety and ensuring that flights can operate with minimal disruption once airspace restrictions are eased. The ongoing situation has highlighted the delicate balance between national security needs and the functioning of air travel networks. As security protocols take precedence, the aviation industry is working closely with the defence sector to ensure that the airspace is managed efficiently, ensuring safety while striving to limit the impact on civilian air travel. The disruption is expected to be temporary, with air traffic operations gradually resuming to normalcy as airspace restrictions are lifted.
The advisory also coincides with a mock drill scheduled in Bengaluru, as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has called for civilian participation in preparedness exercises across the city. This drill will test the city’s readiness for emergencies, further underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts between civil and defence authorities during times of crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are urged to stay informed and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans, remaining flexible in the face of unavoidable disruptions.
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