India extends closure of 28 airports until May 15 amid tensions with Pakistan

In light of escalating tensions with Pakistan, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has extended the temporary closure of 28 airports across the country until 5:29am on May 15, local media outlets reported.

The decision, originally in place until May 10, was announced on Friday following a high-level meeting with key stakeholders.

A senior government official confirmed to the media that both airlines and airport authorities have been duly notified of the extension, which is being implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.

IndiGo Airlines issued a statement confirming that all flights to and from several northern airports will remain suspended during this period. Affected airports include Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh.

“These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority. We remain fully committed to supporting passengers during this time,” the airline stated.

National carrier Air India also released a travel advisory on social media platform X, announcing cancellations for flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot.

Passengers with valid bookings during the affected period will be eligible for a full refund or a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges.