27 Airports Shut Across India Amid Security Tensions: What Travellers Must Know

In light of escalating tensions with Pakistan, 27 airports across India have been temporarily shut down, and airport security has been significantly intensified. Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have issued urgent travel advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses, arrive early, and prepare for potential delays or cancellations.

Why Are Airports Being Closed?

The closures come in the wake of early morning military actions on Wednesday, around 1:30 AM, prompting the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to issue two critical NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen):

  • First NOTAM: Issued early morning, suspending operations at 18 airports

  • Second NOTAM: Released at 3:20 PM, adding 9 more airports to the closure list

These measures are being taken to ensure national security and affect both civilian and defence airfields.

Complete List of 27 Affected Airports

First 18 Airports Closed:

  • Dharamshala

  • Hindon

  • Gwalior

  • Kishangarh

  • Srinagar

  • Amritsar

  • Patiala

  • Shimla

  • Gaggal

  • Jaisalmer

  • Jodhpur

  • Bikaner

  • Halwara

  • Pathankot

  • Jammu

  • Leh

  • Ludhiana

  • Bhuntar

Additional 9 Airports Added:

  • Bhatinda

  • Mundra

  • Jamnagar

  • Rajkot

  • Porbandar

  • Kandla

  • Keshod

  • Bhuj

  • Chandigarh

Note: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remains fully operational.

Tighter Security Protocols Across Indian Airports

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has enforced strict nationwide security protocols:

  • Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers

  • Visitor access restricted at terminal buildings

  • Air Marshals may be deployed for high-risk routes

  • Passengers must carry valid government-issued photo ID

Key Guidelines for Travellers

  • Arrive 3 hours early for domestic flights

  • Only 1 hand baggage (max 7 kg) per person allowed

  • Prepare for extra security checks at gates

  • Use airline mobile apps or websites for flight status and boarding updates

Airline Fee Waivers and Flexible Policies

IndiGo:

  • Change/cancellation fees waived for bookings made on/before 8 May 2025

  • Valid for travel until 22 May 2025

  • Applies to cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Rajkot, and others

Air India (For Defence Personnel):

  • Full refunds on cancellations

  • One-time rescheduling allowed until 30 June 2025

  • Valid for bookings under defence fare category until 31 May 2025

Travel Tips for Affected Passengers

  • Check Flight Status Frequently: Rely on official airline updates

  • Avoid Rumours: Follow only trusted news and airline sources

  • Travel Light: Reduce delays during security checks

  • Be Flexible: Prepare for rebookings or alternate routing

Final Word: Stay Alert, Stay Updated

While Delhi and other major airports remain operational, the closure of 27 airports has led to major scheduling disruptions across India’s airspace. If you're flying soon—especially from northern or western regions—follow the latest advisories and plan accordingly.

Pro Tip: Stay calm, verify all information directly from airlines, and allow additional time for check-in and screening.

🌍 Stay Connected with the Travel Community

Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube for the latest travel updates and insights!

About the Agent Bazar Blog

The Agent Bazar Blog is your trusted source for industry news, airfare trends, visa updates, and insights tailored for B2B travel agents, consolidators, corporate travel planners, and tour operators.

Our goal is to support travel professionals with timely, actionable content that enhances business growth, improves efficiency, and keeps you informed in a fast-changing travel industry.

Explore our articles, stay ahead with vital updates, and make smarter decisions for your travel business.

About Agent Bazar

Agent Bazar is a next-generation series fare aggregator and B2B airfare marketplace in India, developed by Tripforu Holidays Pvt Ltd (est. 2016).

Backed by over 15 years of industry experience, the platform specializes in fixed departure fares across 300+ sectors in India and key Asian countries.

With a growing network of over 10,000 registered travel agents, Agent Bazar connects consolidators and sellers with agents through a zero-commission model, unlike traditional portals that charge 5–8% in fees.

The platform empowers travel agents and consolidators with direct access to reliable inventory, real-time fare discovery, and simplified group booking tools.

🌐 Visit: agentbazar.in