Flight Disruptions in Northern and Western India: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express Issue Urgent Travel Alerts!

Published on May 8, 2025

The ongoing geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan has caused significant disruptions in air travel across the region. With India’s “Operation Sindoor” leading to military actions and the closure of numerous airports, tourism is taking a substantial hit, along with the wider economic landscape. This situation has forced airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air to issue extensive flight advisories and cancellations, raising concerns about the impact on tourism and the broader economy.

For travelers planning to visit Northern India, the closures, delays, and cancellations at major airports will challenge their plans, forcing airlines and tourism authorities to find ways to navigate the situation. However, amid these challenges, there’s an opportunity to explore how aviation innovations could boost tourism and keep the industry moving forward even in times of crisis.

The Current Aviation Crisis: What Travelers Need to Know

Due to ongoing military operations, 27 airports across northern, western, and central India have suspended commercial flights, impacting cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. The closure, expected to last until May 10, 2025, has already resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations, especially from major airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

Key Airports Affected by the Closure:

• Srinagar
• Jammu
• Leh
• Amritsar
• Chandigarh
• Patiala
• Bikaner
• Jodhpur
• Rajkot
• Ludhiana
• Kishangarh
• Pathankot
• Bathinda
• Halwara
• Shimla
• Dharamsala
• Jaisalmer
• Mundra
• Jamnagar
• Porbandar
• Kandla
• Keshod
• Bhuj
• Gwalior
• Hindon
• Bhuntar (Himachal Pradesh)
• Thoise (Ladakh)

As these airports remain closed, affected airlines are offering flexible rebooking options and full refunds for canceled flights. With thousands of travelers impacted, it’s essential for all passengers to stay updated on flight statuses and plan accordingly.

Impact on Tourism and Economic Growth

The aviation sector’s disruption has a cascading effect on India’s tourism industry. Northern India, particularly Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab, draws a significant number of domestic and international tourists. With these airports now closed or partially operational, a crucial segment of India’s tourism infrastructure is temporarily shuttered.

Tourism Consequences:

• Loss of Tourist Revenue: Major tourist destinations in northern India will see a decline in visitor numbers. Cities like Amritsar, famous for the Golden Temple, and Leh, known for its breathtaking landscapes, are critical to India’s tourism economy. The lack of accessibility will likely result in lost revenue from accommodation, food, and other tourism-related services.
• Increased Costs for Travelers: With the closure of airports, travelers will face additional costs in rescheduling their flights, booking alternate routes, or using ground transportation. This can lead to a decline in visitor satisfaction, potentially deterring future tourism.
• Delayed Bookings and Cancellations: The airline sector is already grappling with a surge in flight cancellations, with some services to and from popular tourist hubs like Srinagar, Dharamshala, and Leh being severely affected. Travelers may need to re-plan their vacations, which could lead to dissatisfaction and reputational damage for airlines and tourism operators alike.

Economic Ripple Effects:

Tourism plays a vital role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to both GDP and employment. The disruption of aviation operations directly affects several economic sectors:

• Hospitality Industry: With fewer flights, hotel bookings in affected regions are expected to decline, impacting businesses ranging from small guesthouses to luxury resorts.
• Transport Sector: Rail and bus services may be strained as people seek alternative travel options, leading to overcrowding and potential delays in other forms of public transportation.
• Local Economies: Cities that depend on tourism income are likely to experience a sharp downturn in revenue. Local businesses, especially those catering to tourists, will suffer losses, impacting their financial stability.

Airlines Respond: What You Need to Know

Airlines Affected by Operation Sindoor

1. Air India

• Impacted Routes: Flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot.
• Operational Timeline: All flights to these destinations are canceled until 05:29 AM on May 10, 2025.
• Passenger Options: Affected passengers are offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.

2. IndiGo

• Impacted Routes: Over 165 flights canceled from multiple airports, including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar.
• Operational Timeline: Cancellations are effective until 05:29 AM on May 10, 2025.
• Passenger Options: Passengers can reschedule their flights on the next available service or opt for a full refund without incurring additional charges.

3. SpiceJet

• Impacted Routes: Flights to and from Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice.
• Operational Timeline: Both departures and arrivals, as well as connecting flights, will be affected due to the airport closures.
• Passenger Advisory: Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and stay updated through the airline’s official communication channels.

4. Akasa Air

• Impacted Routes: All flights to and from Srinagar have been suspended until May 9, 2025.
• Passenger Options: The airline is offering a full refund for the canceled flight and alternatives to reschedule the flight at no additional cost to any date within 7 days of the original travel date.

5. Air India Express

Passenger Options: The airline is offering full refunds on cancellations and a one-time waiver for rescheduling flights up to June 30, 2025, for defense personnel holding special fares, whose bookings are on Air India and Air India Express flights until May 31, 2025.

Impacted Routes: Flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar, and Hindon are canceled until 05:30 AM on May 10, 2025.

Opportunities for Aviation Innovation Amidst Crisis

While this situation poses immediate challenges, it also highlights the need for innovation in the aviation and tourism sectors. As tensions subside and operations return to normal, these innovations could potentially offer long-term benefits for both industries.

• Improved Communication Technologies: Airlines and airports could invest in better communication systems to provide real-time updates to travelers. Implementing advanced technology such as AI-driven flight tracking apps could provide travelers with timely information regarding cancellations or delays, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
• Alternative Airports and Routes: To mitigate the impact on tourism, airlines could expand their services to alternative airports in nearby regions, ensuring that travelers still have access to their destinations. This would require enhanced coordination between the airlines and tourism boards to create seamless alternatives for tourists.
• Increased Resilience through Data: The use of big data and analytics can enhance operational resilience in the face of disruptions. Predictive technologies could help airlines and tourism authorities anticipate disruptions, allowing them to plan accordingly and minimize passenger inconvenience.
• Strengthening Domestic Tourism: As international tourism may dip during such crises, there is an opportunity for the domestic tourism sector to rise to the occasion. Encouraging local tourism, promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations, and offering discounts or packages to local travelers can help cushion the blow to the tourism industry.
• Sustainability and Green Aviation: Post-crisis, there is an opportunity for airlines to commit to green aviation technologies that reduce their carbon footprint. This commitment would align with the global shift towards sustainability and attract eco-conscious travelers.

What Travelers Can Do

If you have upcoming travel plans to any of the affected regions, here are some quick tips to help you navigate this crisis:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the latest updates from airlines and airports to ensure that you don’t miss any important changes. Many airlines have dedicated customer service teams to assist with flight rescheduling and refund requests.
• Consider Alternative Routes: If your destination is inaccessible, check whether there are alternative routes or nearby airports that are operational. You may need to take a train, bus, or taxi from a nearby city to reach your destination.
• Plan Ahead: If your travel dates fall within the affected period, consider rescheduling your trip to avoid disruptions. Flexibility is key during times of uncertainty.
• Check Airline Policies: Many airlines are offering flexible rescheduling and refund policies. Familiarize yourself with the options provided by your carrier, and act swiftly to take advantage of these opportunities.

Conclusion

The ongoing disruption caused by geopolitical tensions in India is a reminder of how interconnected the aviation, tourism, and broader economic sectors are. While the immediate future looks uncertain, innovative solutions and collaboration between airlines, tourism boards, and government agencies can ensure that both the aviation and tourism industries rebound from this setback.

As the situation develops, travelers are urged to stay flexible and keep updated on flight status. Meanwhile, airlines and tourism authorities must focus on rebuilding traveler confidence, ensuring that India’s aviation sector remains resilient and continues to foster tourism growth in the long run.

Key Takeaways:

• Airport Closures: 27 airports across India closed; disruptions to tourism and economic sectors.
• Airlines’ Response: Major airlines offer rescheduling and refund options.
• Tourism Impact: Loss of tourism revenue, higher costs, and increased delays.
• Opportunities for Innovation: Enhanced communication tech, alternative airports, and a focus on sustainability.