Even as 32 airports reopened on Monday (May 12) following the India-Pakistan ceasefire under Operation Sindoor, airlines are proceeding with caution. Leading carriers IndiGo and Air India have suspended several flight operations to northern and western Indian cities on Tuesday, May 13, citing security concerns and precautionary airspace measures.
Although the Airports Authority of India (AAI) lifted NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) for civilian flights, IndiGo and Air India have opted to delay resuming full-scale services due to continuing security alerts and localised airspace monitoring.
IndiGo, India¡¯s largest carrier, has cancelled all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 11:59 PM on Tuesday. The airline issued a public advisory: ¡°We understand how this may disrupt your travel plans, and regret the inconvenience caused. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will promptly keep you informed of further updates.¡±
Notably, a scheduled IndiGo flight to Amritsar on Monday evening had to return to Delhi mid-air due to blackout measures being suddenly implemented in Amritsar, according to a PTI report.
National carrier Air India has also cancelled round-trip services to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot on May 13. In an official advisory, the airline said: ¡°In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from these locations are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.¡±
The airline, however, added that it is working toward a phased resumption of services: ¡°Following a notification from aviation authorities on the reopening of airports, Air India is working towards progressively commencing flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot. We appreciate your understanding at this time.¡±
The delayed resumption by airlines follows drone sightings in Samba, Akhnoor, Jaisalmer, and Kathua sectors late Monday (May 12). However, Army sources clarified to ANI that no recent drone activity had been confirmed in the last 24 hours and emphasised that the ceasefire remains intact.
In the Samba sector, Indian air defence systems reportedly intercepted Pakistani drones, with red flares and explosions visible in the night sky. Army sources said a small number of drones were engaged, but that the situation is under control and there is ¡°nothing to be alarmed about.¡±
As part of precautionary measures already in force since last week, BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) has intensified security protocols at all Indian airports:
These temporary measures are expected to remain in effect until May 18.
Despite the reopening of airspace, passengers flying to or from key conflict-adjacent zones are likely to face cancellations or reschedules, especially for cities such as Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Bhuj, and Rajkot. Airlines are offering full refunds and rebooking options, but travellers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
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