Temporary Suspension of Flights at 32 Airports in India

In a crucial step to maintain operational safety amid growing challenges, the (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued several Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), declaring the temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India. This closure, which will be in effect from 9th May to 14th May 2025, is due to operational reasons. The decision affects airlines and passengers, requiring them to revise their travel plans accordingly.

Affected Airports and Flight Operations

The closure, which will extend until 2359 UTC on 14th May 2025 (0529 IST on 15th May 2025), will halt all civil flight operations at 32 airports in the northern and western regions of India. The affected by this temporary closure are critical hubs, with some located in strategically important areas. Here’s the full list of impacted airports:

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

Uttarlai

These airports, known for their strategic importance and high passenger traffic, will remain closed for civil flight activities during the specified period. This move is expected to cause inconvenience to passengers and airlines, as flight operations will be fully suspended until the closure period ends.

Impact on Air Traffic Service Routes

Along with the closure of 32 airports, the NOTAMs also declared the temporary suspension 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, causing a disruption in air traffic operations across the affected regions.

The affected ATS routes are vital for facilitating the flow of air traffic across northern and western India. Their temporary closure is intended to manage operational concerns while maintaining safety standards. The specific period of unavailability is also set to last until 2359 UTC on 14th May 2025 (0529 IST on 15th May 2025), in line with the airport closure period.

Coordination Between Authorities

The AAI, in collaboration with relevant Air Traffic Control (ATC) units, is taking every step to ensure that the closure does not lead to excessive disruption in the air traffic management system. The temporary suspension of flight operations at these airports and the closure of air traffic service routes are being managed with safety as the foremost priority.

Airlines and flight operators have been strongly advised to adjust their flight paths and plan alternate routes according to current air traffic advisories. This will help to minimize delays and ensure that aviation activities continue smoothly in other parts of the country during the temporary closure period.

Why This Closure Is Happening

The reason behind the suspension of civil flight operations and the temporary closure of ATS route segments is due to operational factors that necessitate this temporary halt. While the specific operational reasons have not been disclosed in detail, such decisions are generally made in response to safety concerns, adverse weather conditions, or other technical challenges that require immediate attention.

The suspension of these airports and routes highlights the importance of maintaining safety standards in aviation, especially in regions that are known for their challenging topographies and high security requirements. In such cases, it is crucial that the aviation authorities take proactive measures to prevent any potential incidents or disruptions.

What Passengers and Airlines Should Do

With the suspension of flight operations, passengers who were scheduled to fly from the affected airports between 9th and 14th May 2025 will need to make alternate travel arrangements. Airlines are expected to reschedule flights, and passengers should stay in close contact with their airlines to receive updates on new flight timings, rerouting options, and refund policies.

For those who had planned to travel to or from the affected airports, it is important to remain flexible and keep an eye on the latest notifications from airlines and aviation authorities. Flight operators will be working to accommodate passengers by offering alternate routes and rescheduling flights to nearby airports that are still operational.

Airlines are also advised to communicate directly with passengers about any changes in their travel plans and provide adequate support for those affected by the temporary closure. Additionally, passengers should monitor news updates and check with their airlines regularly for the latest updates regarding the status of their flights.

Safety and Security Measures

During this temporary suspension period, safety and security remain the top priority for the Airports Authority of India and other aviation authorities. Ensuring the well-being of passengers, crew members, and airport personnel is crucial, especially when operational disruptions occur. The closure will allow authorities to address any underlying issues and ensure that the necessary precautions are in place before normal operations resume.

As the situation continues to evolve, aviation authorities will be providing regular updates to keep all stakeholders informed about the reopening of the affected airports and the resumption of civil flight operations. Once the closure period concludes, air traffic is expected to return to normal, and flight operations will resume as scheduled.

Conclusion

The temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India, along with the suspension of 25 ATS route segments, marks a significant development in Indian aviation for the period between 9th and 14th May 2025. While this move may cause temporary inconvenience for travelers and airlines, the safety and operational reasons behind the decision highlight the priority of maintaining secure and smooth aviation operations across the country.

Passengers are advised to stay updated with official notifications from airlines and authorities to make necessary adjustments to their travel plans. With the cooperation of the aviation community, the temporary suspension is expected to minimize disruption and ensure a safe and efficient air travel system once operations resume.