IndiGo and Other Indian Airlines Cancel Over 165 Flights Until May 10
Indian carriers including IndiGo cancel over 165 flights due to airspace restrictions after military strikes in Pakistan. Travellers urged to verify flight status as situation evolves.
IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, has announced the cancellation of more than 165 flights to and from several airports across the country, until at least May 10. Affected cities include Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Gwalior, Kishangarh, and Rajkot. In a statement on X, IndiGo noted that the cancellations could be extended and that additional schedule adjustments may follow based on evolving conditions.
The airline urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, warning that further real-time changes could be announced.
Background: airspace restrictions and military operations
This wave of cancellations follows major airspace restrictions imposed after India carried out airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir as part of Operation “Sindoor.” The military action targeted strongholds of proscribed groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Authorities cited retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April that killed 26 civilians, including tourists, as justification for the strikes.
Airlines respond with cancellations and diversions
Air India cancelled all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until noon on 7 May. Two international flights bound for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi.
Air India Express also suspended services to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon until noon on 7 May.
SpiceJet temporarily closed airports at Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, disrupting both domestic flights and connections.
Akasa Air cancelled flights to Srinagar following its closure to civilian operations.
Qatar Airways briefly suspended all flights to Pakistan due to Pakistan’s airspace closure.
Travel advice amid fluid conditions
Airlines and airports—including Delhi’s—strongly advise passengers to verify their flight status before travelling to the airport, warning that restrictions and cancellations can change without notice. Updates are available via each carrier’s official website.
This disruption underscores the impact of geopolitical tensions on aviation across India and the wider region, forcing thousands of travellers to adjust plans. Carriers say they are monitoring the situation closely and will communicate any updates to affected passengers.
