NEW DELHI: Several Indian airlines have suspended operations to and from key northern cities after the armed forces launched missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The strikes reportedly hit nine locations, including major strongholds of terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.
In response to the developing security situation, multiple airports—including Srinagar—have been shut for civilian operations, prompting widespread flight cancellations and diversions.
Air India announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until noon.
Two international flights en route to Amritsar have been diverted to Delhi. "We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption," the airline said in a statement on X.
SpiceJet confirmed that several northern airports, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are currently closed. “Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted,” the airline posted.
IndiGo also reported disruptions due to "changing airspace conditions," affecting operations to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala.
Air India Express noted that multiple flights have been impacted across its network. Services to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon have been cancelled until mid-day.
Akasa Air stated that civil operations at Srinagar airport have been suspended, forcing it to cancel all flights to and from the region.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
Asian airlines are rerouting their flights to avoid India-Pakistan air space.
Multiple international airlines -- Qatar Airways has announced suspension of flights to Pakistan due to closed airspace while Taiwan's EVA Air announced adjustments to its flights to avoid airspace between India and Pakistan.
Earlier, flight tracking website, Flightradar24 shared images showing nil operation of flights in the airspace in the northeastern part of India and Pakistan. Many international airlines are yet to release a statement.