Operation Sindoor: Flights to Jammu, Srinagar, Jodhpur Halted, Airlines Issue Advisories

India’s Operation Sindoor, launched today, targeted nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoJK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The precision air strikes, confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, led to the immediate suspension of civilian flights to multiple cities, including Jammu, Srinagar, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot, until at least noon, as reported by Air India on X. The Indian Air Force closed Srinagar airport for civilian operations, citing security concerns, while a two-day military drill in Rajasthan’s Thar desert, starting May 7, restricted airspace further.

Airlines Respond with Advisories

Major Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have issued advisories due to operational challenges, resulting in flight cancellations and delays.IndiGo cited disruptions in Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner due to airspace changes, advising passengers to verify flight statuses before heading to the airport.
 Air India diverted two international flights to Delhi and offered passengers options to reschedule or cancel bookings. The advisories aim to minimize inconvenience amid heightened security, with airlines prioritizing safety as Pakistan’s retaliatory artillery fire along the LoC killed three Indian civilians

Impact on Travelers and Regions

The flight suspensions have stranded thousands, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where tourism remains fragile post-Pahalgam. Srinagar, a key hub handling 60,000–70,000 weekly passengers, faces the brunt, with no civilian flights operating on May 7. Travelers face delays, with social media posts on X reflecting frustration and calls for updates. The Jammu-Srinagar highway, previously closed by floods, compounds connectivity issues.

Security-Driven Measures

Operation Sindoor’s success, with all Indian troops safe and terror camps destroyed, has escalated India-Pakistan tensions. The flight halts and military drills underscore India’s heightened alertness, with Prime Minister Modi monitoring developments.