India halts civilian flights from 32 airports amid escalating tensions with Pakistan

KATHMANDU, MAY 11: Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended civilian flights from 32 airports across the northern and western regions of the country.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other relevant aviation authorities have issued multiple Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which will remain effective until 5:29 AM on May 15.

The airports affected by the suspension include Udhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipora, Bhatinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Sarasa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.

National carrier Air India announced via social media that, following directives from aviation authorities, all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot have been cancelled until 5:29 AM on May 15.

No official reason has been publicly stated, but the move comes amid heightened military and diplomatic strain between India and Pakistan.