24 airports shut in India amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions; check full list here before travelling

Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: iStock)

With the summer season here, many Indians have made travel plans to different parts of the country. During this time of the year, airports and railway stations usually experience heavy holiday rush.

However, due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan along the international border, and security concerns in northern and western states of the country, several airports in India have been temporarily shut down and airlines have issued travel advisories.

Here's what tourists should know:

Following Operation Sindoor, the tensions between the two countries escalated further on Thursday evening after Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan, which were 'effectively repulsed' by Indian Armed Forces, followed by retaliatory action by India.

If you have travel plans, read this before heading to the airport.

Full list of airports shut down

The Civil Aviation Ministry said that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening.

According to IANS, the Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures or the reasons behind the move. However, these closures are part of a broader security protocol, with several of the affected airports located close to the international border or in strategically significant areas.

According to a list released by PIB Fact Check, here are the 24 airports that have been temporarily shut for civil flight operations:

1. Chandigarh
2. Srinagar
3. Amritsar
4. Ludhiana
5. Bhuntar
6. Kishengarh
7. Patiala
8. Shimla
9. Kangra-Gaggal
10. Bathinda
11. Jaisalmer
12. Jodhpur
13. Bikaner
14. Halwara
15. Pathankot
16. Jammu
17. Leh
18. Mundra
19. Jamnagar
20. Hirasar (Rajkot)
21. Porbandar
22. Keshod
23. Kandla
24. Bhuj

Enhanced security measures

In addition to the flight operations shutdown at these airports, enhanced security protocols have been implemented at several other airports.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has advised all airlines and airports in the country to strengthen security measures, IANS reported.

Some security measures include:

• All passengers will go through a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), often known as pre-boarding inspections, at all airports.
• Vehicles will be carefully examined at all airport terminals, IDs will be checked before admittance, and passenger luggage will be scrutinised at random.
• Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been prohibited. Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly.

Travel advisories issued by airlines

Major Indian airlines have issued travel advisories in view of the situation and travellers are advised to read the same and plan accordingly. Confirm specific details with airlines before heading to the airport.

Air India wrote in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "Due to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures at airports, passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure."

Akasa Air posted a similar notice on X, saying, "Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to their departure. This is to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process."

"Passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry. In addition to checked baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding," it added.

IndiGo also issued a statement, which read,

"During these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being implemented at all airports. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation."

In addition to following the travel guidelines, travellers must prioritise their safety and avoid travelling to high-risk areas, in view of the situation.

(With inputs from IANS)