Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Jodhpur and Amritsar Lead India’s Aviation Comeback as Authorities Reopen Airspace and Resume Services at Affected Airports: New Updates You Need to Know

India has officially reopened thirty-two airports across its northern, western, and central states, following a temporary closure caused by escalating regional tensions. These facilities, which had remained inactive since May 7, resumed operations on May 12 at 10:30 AM. The reopening comes after a ceasefire agreement was established, prompting aviation authorities to lift flight restrictions and restore access to major commercial air routes.

Flight Operations Regain Momentum After Regional Closure

The reopening marks a pivotal moment for the Indian aviation sector, which experienced widespread disruptions due to restricted airspace. The shutdown, enforced as a precaution, affected a wide network of cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Rajkot, Bhuj, Jaisalmer, and others. These closures halted both domestic travel and segments of international transit passing through Indian air corridors.

With the ceasefire now in effect, commercial flights are being reinstated in stages, restoring critical links between metropolitan centers and regional hubs. This gradual recovery ensures safety protocols remain in place while enabling passengers and cargo to move efficiently.

Airlines Implement Phased Restart to Manage Travel Surge

Airlines have responded to the reopening by deploying enhanced flight schedules and ramping up operational capacity. The first restored flight departed from Delhi to Jammu on the evening of May 12, signaling the restart of passenger movement on essential domestic routes.

In the days following the reopening, airlines are prioritizing high-demand services, including:

• Jammu to Delhi
• Srinagar to Delhi
• Jammu to Srinagar
• Hindon to Bengaluru

Carriers have confirmed that international services, particularly those passing through affected zones, will also begin resuming from May 13 onward, with full restoration expected by May 15. Flight operations are being scaled carefully to align with updated airspace guidelines and logistical readiness.

Thousands of Travelers Affected by Suspension

The sudden airport closures left a considerable number of passengers stranded throughout the country. In response, airlines have announced contingency measures such as temporary flight additions, fare flexibility, and dedicated customer support for affected individuals. Airports have also deployed additional staff to manage long queues, flight rebookings, and increased demand for onward connections.

Travelers are encouraged to check flight status directly with airlines and utilize available digital tools to confirm bookings and reassign itineraries.

Security Measures Prompted Controlled Airspace Restrictions

The temporary airspace lockdown was imposed amid a rise in regional military tensions. India’s aviation regulator implemented the closures as a safety precaution to prevent exposure of civilian flights to potential conflict zones. The affected corridors spanned several high-traffic regions, making the move both necessary and disruptive.

The closure focused on safeguarding passengers and crew, especially in sensitive air zones. It did not apply nationwide but was limited to areas deemed at higher operational risk due to proximity to potential threat zones.

Airports Resume Services With New Safety Protocols

Airports began phased reopenings on May 12, with security checks, ground handling, and air traffic services restarting under revised safety protocols. Priority was given to airports serving both high-volume passenger traffic and strategic locations.

With flight schedules being adjusted on a rolling basis, passengers using reopened airports are being advised to monitor real-time updates and arrive earlier than usual to avoid delays.

Airlines are coordinating closely with ground staff, air traffic controllers, and government agencies to ensure seamless operations as the national flight network returns to normal.

Full Restoration of Services Expected by Mid-May

Authorities anticipate that flight operations at all thirty-two affected airports will return to full functionality by May 15. Carriers are adjusting frequencies, reallocating aircraft, and resuming normal scheduling to meet growing travel demand. A complete normalization of services is expected to follow shortly after, barring further disruptions.

Domestic carriers have also confirmed plans to reinstate long-haul and international routes, restoring outbound and inbound travel options that were previously suspended or rerouted.

Aviation Sector Poised for Rapid Stabilization

The reopening of multiple airports following the ceasefire reflects the aviation industry’s resilience and ability to navigate crisis scenarios with operational discipline. The rapid reinstatement of services demonstrates a coordinated national response involving airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies.

With recovery underway, India’s aviation network is well-positioned to absorb the surge in travel demand, clear passenger backlogs, and ensure consistent flight availability across all major corridors.

Passengers are advised to stay informed through official channels, make flexible travel plans, and remain patient as full operations resume over the coming days. The reopening signals a return to normalcy and underscores the critical role of air travel in maintaining regional connectivity and economic stability.