India Pakistan conflict: Govt allows civil flights to operate as 32 shut airports reopen

India reopened all of its 32 airports on Monday that had been shut since May 9 owing to the war-like conflicts between India and Pakistan. The move came after the Centre issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for resuming flight operations after the country observed its first night of peace since the conflicts started nearly five days ago.

This marks a significant de-escalation in the heightened military alert that had followed recent hostilities with Pakistan. The airports had been shut with civil flights ordered to be cancelled until May 15.

Following the order, Chandigarh International Airport announced that flight operations have been resumed as of May 12 from 10 am. Srinagar Airport and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport also issued a notification that it had reopened, while Amritsar Aiport resumed flights.


Among other airports that reopened are Leh, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot.

The other airports among the 32 that had been shut are Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bhathinda, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Mundra, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, and Kandla.


However, flight operations across airports that are reopening will resume gradually.

Meanwhile, in a travel adivsory shared on social media platform X, IndiGo said that all its operations across the airports will progressively resume. However, the aviation giant said that as the situation normalises, there might be delays in scheduled flights and advised travellors to check flight status.

"If you are still reconsidering your travel plans, change and cancellation fee waivers remain available until 22nd May 2025 for travel to and from the affected airports," the airline added.

The decision signals easing of tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. The Indian Army on Monday morning reported that the night had remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir, with no hostilities between the Indian and Pakistani militaries.

“The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the International Border. No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days,” the Army said in a brief statement.

The reopening of these airports will come as a relief, especially after widespread disruptions in flight operations across India. The closures have severely affected air traffic between northern and western regions of the country, with several key diversion airports made unavailable.

The shutdown was triggered by the April 22 attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists that triggered India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

The heightened military posture forced Indian and international carriers to reroute traffic.