Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Air India and Akasa Air have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before their scheduled departure times. This measure is a response to heightened security protocols implemented across all airports in India. The advisories aim to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding experience for all travelers.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has instructed all airlines and airports to enhance security measures. These measures include secondary ladder point checks (SLPC) for all passengers and a ban on visitor entry to terminal buildings. Additionally, Air Marshals will be deployed as needed.
Air India has announced that check-in counters will now close 75 minutes before departure due to the enhanced security directives from the BCAS. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure to accommodate the additional security procedures.
Akasa Air's advisory emphasizes the importance of carrying valid government-approved photo identification documents for airport entry. In addition to check-in baggage, passengers are permitted only one handbag weighing up to 7 kgs. Passengers will undergo secondary security checks before boarding as per regulatory guidelines.
Several airports in northern and central-western India have been temporarily shut down, leading to flight cancellations and disruptions. As of May 8, 2025, 27 airports are closed for commercial operations until May 10, 2025. These closures have resulted in the cancellation of approximately 430 flights.
Air India has suspended all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until May 10. Akasa Air has suspended flights to and from Srinagar. SpiceJet has cancelled flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar. Air India Express has suspended flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon.
Airlines are offering passengers affected by the cancellations a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund. Passengers are advised to check their flight status frequently on airline websites and apps and contact the airlines for rebooking or refunds. Travelers are also advised to avoid travel to northern border areas until the situation stabilizes.
International airlines, including KLM, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, EVA Air, Korean Air, and China Airlines, are rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Some flights have been diverted mid-air.
The disruptions follow heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, including reports of missile and drone attacks. The Indian Army has confirmed that military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistan, but there was no damage or loss. India has carried out "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.
IndiGo has also issued a travel advisory, alerting travelers to expect delays and potential cancellations and advising them to confirm their flight details before heading to the airport.
Passengers can reschedule their flights on the next available service or opt for a full refund without incurring additional charges.
