Over 130 flights have been cancelled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) today.
The cancellations are a direct result of heightened security measures prompted by fresh geopolitical tensions following military confrontations between the two countries. This disruption has significantly impacted both domestic and international air travel, with travellers experiencing delays, uncertainty, and flight rescheduling. The cancellation of 130 flights includes a combination of domestic and international departures and arrivals, with 63 domestic arrivals and 66 domestic departures among those affected. Additionally, four international arrivals and five international departures have been scrapped for the day. These cancellations come amidst ongoing security concerns that have forced the closure of airports across India, especially those near sensitive regions such as the India-Pakistan border.
Despite the widespread cancellations, Delhi’s IGI airport has maintained its operations, ensuring that essential flights, including cargo and emergency services, continue to run. However, the disruption caused by the cancellations and delays has raised concerns about the ongoing stability of flight schedules as security protocols remain heightened. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported a significant number of cancellations, with 71 departing flights and 34 arriving flights grounded by 4 pm. Although many flights were cancelled outright, others have been subject to delays, with departing flights facing an average delay of approximately 18 minutes.
Airport officials have issued multiple advisories to passengers, urging them to remain updated about their flight statuses and to ensure they arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure times. As a precaution, the airport has recommended that all passengers arriving for their flights allow for extra time to clear security, given the enhanced screening measures now in place. In light of the ongoing tensions, several airlines, including major carriers, have issued advisories instructing passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flights due to the additional time required for enhanced security checks. The airport authority also warned passengers not to rely on unverified information and to stay connected with their airlines for accurate and timely updates regarding flight status.
Amidst the disruptions, India has grounded flights at approximately 24 airports, primarily those located near the India-Pakistan border or near critical military installations. This precautionary measure follows a series of cross-border attacks, with Pakistan firing drones and missiles towards military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur on the night of Thursday, May 8, 2025. These attacks were successfully intercepted by India, with three Pakistan Air Force jets reportedly shot down in the process. The situation continues to evolve, and security experts believe that it is crucial for all affected airlines and airport authorities to coordinate closely to ensure the safety and security of passengers. Although the cancellations and delays are primarily related to security concerns, there is also the potential for logistical disruptions as airspace management teams are forced to adjust flight paths to avoid conflict zones.
Airport officials have continued to reassure the public that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the safety of passengers and to minimise inconvenience. However, it remains clear that ongoing security concerns will have a lasting impact on air travel across the country. While the airport is operational, it is expected that the situation will continue to evolve, requiring careful management of flight schedules and security procedures. As the geopolitical situation between India and Pakistan intensifies, the aviation industry faces the dual challenge of ensuring operational continuity while safeguarding passenger welfare. Experts have noted that while the current disruptions are regrettable, they are necessary to ensure national security and protect citizens. In the coming days, airlines and airport authorities will need to collaborate closely to address the backlog caused by flight cancellations and delays, ensuring that normal flight operations can resume as soon as possible.
With heightened vigilance at all airports, including IGI, passengers are urged to follow all advisories and cooperate with airport and airline personnel. Security personnel have been deployed in greater numbers, and passengers are being asked to expect thorough checks. Additionally, airport authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation to make real-time adjustments to flight operations as necessary. The aviation community is also facing pressure from passengers concerned about the uncertainty surrounding their travel plans. Many have expressed frustration with the lack of clarity on when flight schedules will stabilise. For international travellers, particularly those with long-haul flights, the delay in the resumption of regular flight operations has been particularly disconcerting. However, airline officials have assured passengers that they are doing everything possible to accommodate them and minimise the impact of the ongoing disruptions.
As the situation continues to unfold, experts are closely monitoring air traffic control and border security measures. While flights in and out of Delhi continue to be affected, the key concern remains ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to, without compromising on passenger convenience. For now, as geopolitical tensions with Pakistan show no immediate signs of abating, air travel across India will likely continue to experience interruptions. Passengers are encouraged to remain flexible with their travel plans and to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight cancellations, delays, and rescheduling.
As these events unfold, the resilience of India’s aviation infrastructure will be tested. The ability of airports and airlines to maintain security while handling the increased demand for updates and adjustments will be crucial in managing the immediate challenges posed by the current crisis. While the current disruption in flight operations at Delhi Airport and across the nation is undoubtedly a significant inconvenience, it is essential to view it through the lens of national security. As India and Pakistan grapple with heightened tensions, the continued collaboration of security agencies, airlines, and airport authorities will determine how swiftly normalcy can be restored to India’s aviation sector.
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