Flight Chaos After Strikes: Over 200 Flights Cancelled in India

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] May 07: Early morning hours of 7th May turned tense as Indian forces launched missile strikes on terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This military action, part of Operation Sindoor, was India’s response to a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 lives were lost. By evening, airspace restrictions led to 25 airports shutting operations across northern and western India, including Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Leh. Travellers were left confused, and the calm skies reflected the growing seriousness on the ground.

Airlines Grounded: Who Cancelled the Most Flights

Airlines acted quickly once the skies were declared unsafe. IndiGo was the worst hit, cancelling over 165 flights. Air India and Air India Express followed, suspending flights to Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar. Many airlines announced free rescheduling or full refunds. SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Star Air also paused operations in northern zones. The sudden cancellations affected students, families, and tourists, many of whom were already at the airports when announcements were made.

Delhi Airport in Trouble: Capital City Takes a Hit

At the Delhi airport—India’s busiest—at least 35 flights were cancelled since midnight. These included domestic and international ones. People trying to return home or travel abroad were left waiting for updates. The airport authority, DIAL, released an advisory asking passengers to stay connected with their airline offices and travel agents. International flights to Pakistan were either postponed or rerouted, making Delhi a temporary chokepoint in Indian air travel.

International Ripples: Pakistan Airspace Closed

Pakistan’s airspace went silent after the missile strikes. FlightRadar24 showed how nearly all planes were missing over Pakistan and northwest India. Many international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and KLM changed their routes. Qatar Airways even suspended all flights to Pakistan. This reminded many of past instances when political tensions led to global travel problems. As history shows, even a small spark between two nations can shake global flight routes.

Operation Sindoor: What Led to This Moment

The missile strikes came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. India’s armed forces named the operation Sindoor, aiming to strike deep into known terror zones. Nine targets were hit. These bold steps caused India to take safety measures, closing air routes to avoid any mishap. This is not the first time airports have been shut due to border tensions. In 2019, similar restrictions were seen after the Balakot airstrikes. The airspace closures remind us that war-like moves affect not just soldiers, but also everyday people waiting at airports.