With signs of de-escalation following the recent hostilities with Pakistan, the Indian government has begun the phased reopening of 32 airports that were closed since May 9 due to cross-border drone and missile threats. The move follows the relative calm observed since the ceasefire agreement initiated by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and reflects a cautious return to normalcy.
Airports across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat — including major hubs like Srinagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Leh, Jodhpur, and Jammu — will progressively resume operations as part of the Centre’s new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Monday.
In light of evolving circumstances and dynamic airspace conditions, commercial flight operations were temporarily suspended at 32 Airports until 05:29 hrs of May, 15th 2025. It is pleased to inform that these Airports are now fully operational for #CivilAircraft movements with… pic.twitter.com/KmkTEBN0D0
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 12, 2025
The closure, originally affecting 24 airports, was extended to 32 after multiple aerial threat incidents in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, where 26 Indian tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The Indian government had also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30, escalating tensions between the two neighbours.
While the ceasefire has largely held since it was declared on May 10, the Centre emphasized that airport reopenings will be gradual, citing continued security concerns. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that operations remain “smooth,” but noted that flight schedules and checkpoint processing times may fluctuate due to altered airspace dynamics and elevated security protocols.
Passengers have been advised to stay updated via airline notifications and official airport websites, and to arrive early for security checks. Enhanced guidelines for checked and hand baggage remain in place.
The full list of airports reopening includes Jaisalmer, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Adampur, Ambala, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Halwara, Hindon, Jammu, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
The reopening is expected to gradually restore regular air traffic across northern and western India, with authorities remaining on high alert in the backdrop of the recent escalation.
