India as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced the resumption of civilian flight operations at 32 airports that were temporarily closed last week.
The closure was a precautionary measure enacted in response to the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan, leading to enhanced security protocols at aviation hubs across the region. The reopening, effective immediately as of Monday, May 12, 2025, follows a reported understanding reached between India and Pakistan on Saturday to cease all forms of firing and military actions across land, air, and sea with immediate effect. The temporary shutdown, which commenced on May 9th and was initially slated to continue until 05:29 hours on May 15th, had affected air travel across a wide swathe of the country, including key airports in Srinagar and Amritsar. The Airports Authority of India, in conjunction with other aviation regulatory bodies, had issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to communicate the temporary suspension of all civilian flight operations at these 32 airports situated in the northern and western sectors of India. This proactive measure, while causing inconvenience to travellers, was deemed necessary to ensure the safety and security of civilian airspace amidst the prevailing geopolitical tensions.
In its official statement released on Monday, the state-owned AAI confirmed that these 32 airports are now fully operational for civilian aircraft movements with immediate effect. The authority, however, advised passengers to directly verify their flight status with their respective airlines and to continuously monitor the airlines’ official websites for the most up-to-date information regarding schedules and potential changes. This recommendation underscores the likelihood of some initial disruptions and the need for travellers to remain informed as airlines work to restore their regular operational flow following the period of airspace restrictions. The decision to reopen the airspace and resume civilian flight operations comes as a welcome relief to passengers who faced cancellations and significant delays over the past few days. The restoration of air connectivity is also crucial for the economic activity of the affected regions, facilitating the movement of people and goods that is essential for business and daily life. The temporary closure had impacted various sectors, including tourism, trade, and logistics, highlighting the interconnectedness of air travel with the broader economy.
While the immediate resumption of flights signifies a positive step towards normalcy, the underlying geopolitical situation between India and Pakistan remains a matter of close observation. The assurance of a ceasefire and the subsequent reopening of airspace represent a de-escalation, but the long-term stability of this understanding will be pivotal in ensuring sustained normalcy in air travel and overall regional stability. Aviation authorities and security agencies will likely maintain a heightened state of vigilance to respond effectively to any future developments that might necessitate a re-evaluation of the operational status of these airports. The temporary closure and the subsequent reopening underscore the delicate balance between national security imperatives and the need to maintain essential civilian infrastructure and services. The swift resumption of flight operations following the reported ceasefire agreement indicates a coordinated effort to minimise disruption to the public while ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s airspace. Travellers are advised to remain in close contact with their airlines for specific flight updates as the aviation sector works to recover from the recent period of operational adjustments.
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