Operation Sindoor: 27 airports remain shut, 430 flights cancelled; flyers face multiple levels of airport security check

India¡¯s air travel network has been jolted into emergency mode following the rising military tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. In response to evolving security threats and fears of retaliation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has announced sweeping restrictions, shutting down 27 airports across northern, north-western, and central India and cancelling over 430 flights.

Passenger Advisory issued at 08:35 Hours#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory pic.twitter.com/mJ1G6nsMIo

¡ª Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) May 9, 2025

Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as a retaliatory strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has triggered intense security concerns across the country. The civil aviation ministry, acting swiftly, has now raised airport security to the highest level, implementing full-scale emergency measures to ensure civilian safety.

Important announcement for passengers traveling though Indian airports

All passengers travelling through Indian airports are now required to undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) ¡ª a pre-boarding security screening just before entering the aircraft. The directive is applicable to all airports across India with immediate effect. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have already begun enforcing these protocols and issued advisories for passengers to report at least three hours prior to their scheduled flights.

What is currently banned?

Adding to the new restrictions, visitor entry to terminal buildings has been entirely banned. Sale of visitor tickets has been suspended, and airport operators have been instructed to ensure that all CCTV surveillance systems are fully functional. Deployment of air marshals will now be prioritised and aligned with specific flight risk assessments.

The BCAS directive has also placed strict surveillance on all microlight aircraft, drones, paragliders, and unmanned aerial systems. Security guards around parked aircraft have been increased, and airlines have been ordered to scrutinise every PNR, passenger detail, and cargo manifest rigorously. ID verification and random baggage checks will be conducted at multiple points ¡ª from the vehicle checkpoint outside terminals to the aircraft gate.

A senior aviation official explained that these steps are necessary not just at major airports, but also at every aviation facility in the country. ¡°Whether it is a helipad, flying school, airstrip or a training institute ¡ª the risk is now considered national. We must prepare for any eventuality.¡±

Air cargo on a strict watch

Air cargo terminals too have come under strict watch, with non-scheduled flight operations being closely monitored. Airlines have been instructed to enhance security at general aviation terminals and cargo checkpoints.

The impact on commercial aviation has been significant. Delhi airport alone cancelled over 140 flights on Wednesday. Air India has suspended services to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 5:29 AM on May 10. IndiGo cancelled over 165 flights including those from Amritsar, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Jammu, and Srinagar, while SpiceJet halted operations in Dharamshala, Leh, and Jammu.

Akasa Air and Air India Express have also suspended select services, offering full refunds or free rescheduling for passengers. Notably, special concessions have been offered to defence personnel travelling during this crisis period.

Flight tracking services such as Flightradar24 revealed vast empty stretches of airspace over India¡¯s western corridor ¡ª from Kashmir to Gujarat ¡ª usually buzzing with civilian aircraft. As of now, skies remain eerily quiet, underscoring the scale of disruption Operation Sindoor has caused in civilian aviation.

What should passengers keep in mind?

Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.

Carry valid government ID.

Expect longer baggage and identity checks.

Only one cabin bag up to 7 kg permitted.

Monitor flight status continuously for cancellations or rescheduling.

As the region remains on high alert, flyers must stay updated through airline advisories and prepare for extensive delays. With diplomacy still at a boiling point and national security on edge, air travel in India now operates under a different set of rules ¡ª one where vigilance takes precedence over convenience.