Air India and IndiGo have cancelled all two-way flight operations at several major northern and western Indian cities-including Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, Rajkot, and Srinagar-on May 13, 2025.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and subsequent military escalations along the border. Both airlines have cited passenger safety as their top priority, offering free rebooking and refunds. Officials assure that flight operations will resume as soon as security conditions improve, and passengers are advised to stay updated via official channels.
Airlines Respond Swiftly to Security Threats
The abrupt cancellation of flights has left thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling to make alternate arrangements. Air India, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), announced, “In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May.
We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated.” IndiGo issued a similar advisory, expressing regret for the inconvenience and assuring affected passengers of support for refunds and rebooking.
Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that the cancellations are a proactive measure in response to airspace restrictions and increased military activity near the border. “Safety of passengers and crew is our utmost priority.
We are in constant touch with security agencies and will take decisions in the best interest of public safety,” said an AAI spokesperson. Meanwhile, airport authorities have set up help desks to assist travellers, and airlines are urging customers to check flight status online before heading to airports.
Context: Rising Tensions and Airspace Closures
The latest round of flight disruptions follows a series of alarming incidents. On May 11, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed multiple lives, prompting a strong response from Indian security forces.
In the days that followed, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting suspected terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile activity near Indian border areas, escalating regional tensions.
In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation suspended operations at several airports in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
The Airports Authority of India had only recently resumed operations at 32 airports that were previously closed due to security concerns, but the renewed hostilities have forced airlines to act with caution. Pakistan has also suspended national and international flights at major airports, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, further impacting regional connectivity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stands firm in its belief that civilian safety must always take precedence, especially during times of conflict. While the widespread flight cancellations are undoubtedly disruptive, they are a necessary precaution in the face of uncertainty and potential danger.
We commend the transparent communication and support extended by airlines and authorities, and urge them to continue prioritising empathy and assistance for those affected.
At the same time, we call on both India and Pakistan to pursue diplomatic solutions and de-escalate tensions, so that peace and normalcy can return to the region. The resilience and patience shown by citizens in these trying times is commendable, and we must all work together to support one another. How do you think airlines, governments, and communities can better support travellers and ordinary people during such crises? What steps can be taken to ensure both safety and minimal disruption?
