Travel advisory issued: Flight operations hit across Northern India; check list of airports affected

Following the catastrophic terror incident in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the Indian armed forces initiated a strategic operation in reaction to the growing tensions between India and Pakistan.One of the most obvious and visible repercussions of this action has been the massive interruption of aviation travel across northern India. Airlines have issued advisories, airspace routes have been limited, and numerous airports have ceased operations as a precaution, affecting thousands of passengers.Following the commencement of Operation Sindoor, the Airports Authority of India imposed airspace restrictions, leading to the suspension of flight operations at several key airports. Flights to and from cities including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Rajkot have been affected. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses before traveling.Read more: Indian Passport power grows: 58 countries now visa-free for Indian travellers; full list hereAirspace restrictions have also affected international flights. Air India diverted two inbound international aircraft from Amritsar to Delhi. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has temporarily halted its operations to Pakistan, and Pakistan International Airlines has rerouted airborne flights to Karachi while managing other operations on the ground.Airlines have been proactive in their communication with passengers. IndiGo reported that shifting airspace circumstances are affecting flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala. Additionally, SpiceJet has verified that a number of airports in northern India will be closed, and it advises travelers to verify flight statuses prior to departure.The national capital and other critical areas have seen increased security in addition to disruptions in air traffic. At strategic points, more police officers and paramilitary forces have been sent in. To guarantee readiness, 244 locations across the country are set to host mock drills.Read more: The Big 5 of India: Where to spot the elephant, tiger, leopard, rhino, and gaurConcern over the worsening situation has been voiced by the international community. To stop further escalation, world leaders, including those from the US, UK, and UN, have appealed for immediate restraint. Experts caution that this conflict goes beyond the violence of the 2019 crisis.The recent update indicates significant escalation in India-Pakistan relations, with substantial impacts on civilian life and international travel. Passengers are advised to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution during this period of heightened tension.