 "Security personnel keep watch at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. PTI")
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, security at all Indian airports has been raised to the highest level.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airports and airlines in the country to tighten their security arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 27 airports across India are shut for civil flight services.
Catch India-Pakistan LIVE Updates here .
On the night of May 8, Pakistan carried out attacks across several Indian states, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, using drones , missiles and heavy artillery shelling.
However, India managed to stop these attacks and responded by hitting back at several locations in Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Khenju (Sind), Attock, Miano, Bahawalpur and an area close to Karachi.
 "Pakistan closes airports in Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad for 'operational reasons'")
 "Operation Sindoor: 27 airports shut till May 10, over 400 flights cancelled")
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In this explainer, we take a look at the list of airports in India shut for civil flight operations and the increased security measures being implemented amid the tensions.
Are airports in India functional? Which ones are shut?
PIB Fact Check has confirmed on X that airports across India remain open and no entry restrictions have been imposed. “Fake news alert: Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India banned. Government has taken no such decision,” it said.
This clarification comes at a time when false information is spreading on social media after India’s Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strike was carried out in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed.
At present, only 27 airports are shut for civil flight operations, as per a Notam (Notice to Airmen) issued by authorities.
Which are these airports? Here’s the full list:
Chandigarh
Srinagar
Amritsar
Ludhiana
Bhuntar
Kishengarh
Patiala
Shimla
Kangra-Gaggal
Bathinda
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Bikaner
Halwara
Pathankot
Jammu
Leh
Mundra
Jamnagar
Hirasa (Rajkot)
Porbandar
Keshod
Kandla
Bhuj
Kishangarh
Bhuntar (Kullu)
Ludhiana
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Airports increase security: What passengers should know
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has made it compulsory to carry out Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), which are additional checks before boarding, at all airports, The Times of India reported.
Further, visitor entry into terminal buildings has been stopped with immediate effect as part of the new security rules. Air Marshals will also be deployed wherever needed, the report said.
Passengers and their cabin baggage will go through another layer of screening just before boarding, according to The Indian Express. Random checks of passenger bags before entering the airport, physical checks of cargo, and document verification have also been directed.
Airport authorities will increase ID checks for both passengers and staff. Ground handling staff will be under stricter watch, and security for aircraft and catering services will be thoroughly reviewed.
All CCTV cameras at aviation facilities have been ordered to remain fully functional, and more personnel will be deployed to guard aircraft, IE reported. State police and special forces will support security efforts at the outer perimeters of airports.
Vehicles and individuals at terminals and parking areas will also face more detailed checking. Quick response teams and bomb disposal units have been asked to stay on high alert.
There will also be stricter monitoring of non-scheduled flights, which are civilian flights not operated by airlines, along with increased checks at cargo and general aviation terminals.
“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes, etc so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all stake holder,” the BCAS directive said.
Most of the affected airports are expected to remain shut for commercial flights until around 5:30 AM on Saturday (May 10). Airlines have cancelled all flights to these airports until then. However, defence flights will continue to operate, according to The Indian Express.
Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet issue travel advisories: What passengers must know
Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, have advised passengers to reach airports early as the Centre has increased security nationwide.
Air India said in a statement, “In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure.”
IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, has cancelled more than 165 flights from several airports such as Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot and Srinagar.
The airline posted on X, “In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
These cancellations are also in place until 05:29 AM on May 10, 2025, following government restrictions on airspace. IndiGo has offered affected passengers the choice to rebook the next available flight or get a full refund without any additional charges.
Akasa Air, in its advisory, asked passengers to reach the airport at least three hours before departure, citing the increased security measures. “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience,” it said.
SpiceJet also put out a statement on X, saying, “In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”
All passengers are also advised to carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding.
According to The Indian Express, over 400 flights are being cancelled daily due to airport closures.
Is Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport functional?
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory on Friday saying that operations are continuing as normal. However, some flights have been affected due to shifting airspace conditions and extra security.
“Follow hand baggage and check-in luggage regulations. Cooperate with airline and security personnel for smooth facilitation,” it said in the advisory.
Passengers have been asked to check with their airline for updates.
That said, more than 90 domestic and international flights to and from Delhi were cancelled and over 200 delayed on Thursday due to airspace restrictions, Hindustan Times reported.
With inputs from agencies