Operation Sindoor Grounds Over 400 Flights, Brings Disruption to Thousands of Travelers
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, daily life has come to a standstill for thousands across India and Pakistan as tensions between the two countries have reached alarming levels. The fallout: 27 airports shut down, more than 400 flights cancelled, and countless families caught in limbo.
What began as a regional security concern escalated quickly on Thursday after Pakistan reportedly launched drone and missile attacks targeting military zones in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. In response, authorities shut down airports in northern, western, and central India—leaving not only critical airspace closed but also thousands of passengers scrambling for answers.
The airspace over Kashmir to Gujarat now lies eerily silent. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, this once-busy corridor is now largely devoid of civilian aircraft as airlines steer clear of the sensitive region.
A Grounded Nation
From Srinagar and Amritsar to Bhuj and Gwalior, the impact has been widespread. A full list of the 27 shuttered airports includes both civilian and military-use hubs. In total, Indian airlines have cancelled 430 flights—roughly 3% of daily scheduled operations—while Pakistan’s carriers have grounded over 147 flights, about 17% of their air traffic.
For families with urgent travel plans, professionals needing to get back to work, and students returning home, the disruption is not just inconvenient—it’s distressing.
The Human Side of Delay
Travelers across the country are being urged to confirm their flight statuses before heading to the airport. For many, it’s already too late. Airports are filled with stranded passengers, clutching boarding passes and hope, waiting for clarity.
International airlines aren’t immune either. American Airlines has cancelled its Delhi–New York route, reflecting the global ripples of the regional tension.
Airlines Ask for Patience
Airlines are trying to ease the chaos with advisories. Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo have issued statements urging passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure. Extra security measures mean longer lines, thorough checks, and more patience required at every terminal.
Air India’s statement highlighted that check-in counters will close 75 minutes before departure, while Akasa Air reminded travelers to carry valid ID and limit hand baggage to 7kg. Secondary security screenings are now mandatory for all passengers.
IndiGo, like others, acknowledged the heightened tension, thanking travelers for their patience and cooperation during this difficult time.
For now, the skies remain quieter than usual, but the voices on the ground—those waiting, worrying, and wondering—are louder than ever. And as Operation Sindoor unfolds, the hope remains that diplomacy will soon replace drones, and conversations will rise where silence has taken flight.