New Delhi, May 9, 2025 — In light of mounting tensions along the India-Pakistan border and rising security alerts across northern states, IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has announced the temporary suspension of operations to several high-risk destinations including Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Amritsar until May 10.
The decision follows an advisory issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), urging all carriers to exercise caution and review routes operating near sensitive border zones. This move comes in the wake of heightened military vigilance following “Operation Sindoor,” India’s recent precision airstrike targeting terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), initiated in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
Passenger Safety Takes Precedence
“Due to the prevailing security situation and in compliance with official guidelines, IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights to and from select northern cities. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” the airline said in a statement on Thursday evening.
Flights to Srinagar and Jammu airports, which lie in close proximity to potential conflict zones, have been the most affected, with more than 30 scheduled flights cancelled over the past 48 hours. The Chandigarh and Amritsar routes, though located further from the LoC, were also suspended amid intelligence alerts suggesting possible disruptions.
Affected passengers have been offered full refunds or the option to reschedule their travel without penalty. Helplines have been activated to assist with rebooking and updates.
Industry-Wide Precaution
Other airlines including Air India and Vistara have also reportedly reduced frequency or rerouted flights operating in the northern sector. While these airlines have not issued official notices, sources in the aviation sector confirmed that many carriers are working closely with aviation authorities to ensure passenger and aircraft safety.
This unprecedented disruption during the peak summer travel season has caused a ripple effect in the travel industry, with tourism boards in Jammu and Kashmir expressing concerns over revenue losses.
Broader Impact on Civilian Travel and Economy
The disruption comes at a time when India’s domestic aviation market is rebounding strongly post-pandemic. According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), domestic passenger traffic had surged by 18% in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
With more than 1.5 million people traveling daily via domestic flights, even temporary suspensions like this one have a tangible impact. Travel aggregators such as MakeMyTrip and Yatra reported a spike in cancellations and refund requests, with Srinagar-bound travel seeing a 70% drop over the past three days.
Government Urges Calm
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the concerns in Parliament today, stating, “This is a precautionary measure taken in light of national security. I urge the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities. Normal operations will resume once the situation stabilizes.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also increased deployment of paramilitary forces at key civilian airports, ensuring tighter screening and enhanced coordination with local police forces.
Entertainment & Sports Also Feel the Heat
Beyond aviation, the current security scenario has impacted other sectors. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely, with matches originally scheduled in North India postponed. Tourism in the Kashmir Valley, which was just beginning to flourish again, has suffered a setback.
As the country navigates through these tense times, the temporary travel restrictions are seen as a proactive step to prevent civilian casualties and ensure operational control during a volatile period.
Travelers are advised to stay updated through official airline and government channels for any new announcements regarding flight resumptions.
