Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport faced significant disruptions on Wednesday morning following India’s military strikes on terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The sudden enforcement of airspace restrictions led to the cancellation of numerous flights and prompted the airport authorities to issue an urgent advisory to passengers. The advisory urged travelers to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information, as several services were affected by the evolving airspace conditions. The disruptions come in the wake of heightened security measures after the Indian armed forces conducted missile strikes on nine terrorist sites, including a Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold in Bahawalpur and a Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke.
Air India confirmed the cancellation of flights to and from key destinations such as Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until noon. Additionally, two international flights bound for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi as a precautionary measure. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused, citing the unforeseen situation as the cause of the disruptions. Budget carriers SpiceJet and IndiGo also issued advisories, informing passengers of closures at airports across northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar. Both airlines cautioned that departures, arrivals, and connecting flights could face delays or cancellations due to the airspace restrictions.
The Indian armed forces’ operation, codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir believed to be key centers of terror activity. The strikes were a response to the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. In retaliation, airspace restrictions were swiftly enforced, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions. The sudden enforcement of airspace restrictions has had a cascading effect on flight operations, with airlines scrambling to adjust schedules and reroute flights. Passengers are advised to stay updated with their airlines and the airport’s official website for the latest information on flight statuses.
The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate. Authorities are closely monitoring the developments and will provide updates as necessary.
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