The Airports Authority of India (AAI), along with relevant aviation authorities, has issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), declaring the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India, effective until May 14, 2025. This closure, which affects all civil flight operations, is due to "operational reasons," as stated in a Ministry of Civil Aviation update early this morning.
The following airports are impacted: Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
Additionally, the AAI has confirmed the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs). These routes will remain unavailable from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on May 14, 2025. Airlines and flight operators have been urged to plan alternate routes based on current air traffic advisories.
In response to the closure, leading carrier Air India has announced the cancellation of flights to and from these affected airports until 0529 IST on May 15, 2025. "We urge all travellers to stay informed," Air India stated, emphasizing that the situation remains fluid and customers should check the airline's social media handles for the latest updates.
As part of heightened security measures at airports across India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has advised passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their scheduled departure times to facilitate smooth check-in and boarding. The airline also informed passengers that check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.
