'Safety concerns': Air India, IndiGo cancel flights to 7 cities day after airports reopening announced; check list

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 cancels flights to six cities

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.

#6ETravelUpdate pic.twitter.com/KnJYNZgOhF

¡ª IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 12, 2025

Air India suspends services to eight airports

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.¡±

Security Concerns: Drones and precautionary measures

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.¡±

#TravelAdvisory
In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May.

We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.

For more¡­

¡ª Air India (@airindia) May 12, 2025

Security is still tight at airports

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:

• Mandatory Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers
• Ban on visitor entry to terminal buildings
• Deployment of CISF personnel for supervision of cargo and baggage screening at 69 civil airports
• Continuous surveillance and random onboard checks

These temporary measures are expected to remain in effect until May 18.

What does this mean for passengers?

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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