Latest Travel Advisories: India airport reopening after Operation Sindoor has come as a sigh of relief to thousands of travellers after days of tense tensions and restricted airspace. The Indian authority opened all the 32 closed airports on Monday, 12th May, 2025, that were earlier closed since 9th May due to the rise in conflict with Pakistan. The countrywide airport shutdown was a critical safety precaution when Operation Sindoor, a high-alert military operation, took place. Since peace had eventually been restored after the unrest nearly lasted for nearly five days, the Centre gave a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) opening the way for Indian airports to reopen after Operation Sindoor. This is a major step to normality and is received with joy by domestic and international flyers who were anticipating news on the re-opening of Indian airports after Operation Sindoor
What Happened? (Why were airports closed?)
The shutdown of Indian airports in May 2025 came as a rude shock to many bystanders, with users and airlines in a dilemma, searching for solutions. However, the reason why Indian airports closed in May 2025 is engraved in the high-level military operation titled Operation Sindoor. Also begun following increased tensions along the India-Pakistan border, Operation Sindoor was a tactic of defence to guarantee national security. As a preventive measure, the government decided to cease all civilian air transport from May 9, which resulted in the shutdown of 32 important airports across the country.
Based on the recently released travel advisory in civil aviation, this temporary closure was very important to ensure the airspace’s safety and eliminate any risks to the passengers. The magnitude of the situation is captured by the decision to stop the operation of flights. Therefore, why Indian airports closed May 2025 was directly linked to saving lives in a touchy geopolitical situation, but peace was won, and air transportation was opened under strict surveillance.
Which Airports Have Reopened?
All 32 major airports are up and running after almost five days of total suspension, much to the sigh of relief of thousands of stranded passengers. The airports in India that open after security shutdown have various high-security and sensitive zones that were closed before because of Operation Sindhoor.
Below is the list of major airports that are open in the country after a security shutdown:
- Srinagar Airport
- Jammu Airport
- Amritsar Airport
- Leh Airport
- Pathankot Airport
- Chandigarh Airport
- Bathinda Airport
- Adampur Airport
- Hindon Airport (Ghaziabad)
- Halwara Airport
These airports, which are most of which are near the border, have been operating in a state of high alert since May 9. Having skies cleared and NOTAM revoked, it is now possible for the passengers to return to their travel plans as airports are reopening in India following the security shutdown, and operations return to normal on the network with time.
New Travel Advisories and Guidelines
To make sure that passengers are safe and transit goes on smoothly, as flights are resumed across the country, new travel advisories are issued by the government for Indian airports. Now travellers are being advised to come 3-4 hours in advance before the flight in comparison with the previous term, since there are increased security checks and amended procedures everywhere, at reopened airports.
Other important guidelines of the new advisories on Indian airports are:
- Carry valid ID proof and tickets printed to have hassle-free access.
- Be aware of several stages of security checking.
- Do not bring forbidden or suspicious objects to avoid delay.
- Completely cooperate with CISF and airport officials during checks.
Airlines have also realigned schedules, and the passengers are urged to reconfirm on timings. The authorities consider these new travel advisories for Indian airports as a way to compromise between security and convenience as the country goes back to normality after Operation Sindoor.
Flight Schedules & Delays
On May 12, there was a partial resumption of flight operations all over India after the countrywide shutdown because of Operation Sindoor. Although all 32 airports are now open, travellers should not be surprised to experience significant delays at Indian airports after the security screening.
The majority of the airlines have come back to business in phases, focusing on essential and demanding routes. However, with the increased security regime in airports, flights have been delayed. Here’s what travellers can expect:
- Greater check-in and boarding times because of those extra layers of verification.
- Several cases of rescheduling with last-minute cancellations.
- Prioritization of flights from the major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Passengers are highly encouraged to track their airline, monitor any updates to schedules, and consider Indian flight delays after security checks when making plans to travel. Normal operations will be restored soon as days go by, once the state of affairs is stabilized.
Travel Tips for Passengers
As flights start again after the operation Sindoor, people travelling must remain updated and highly prepared. Are you thinking of what to do after the Airport reopens in India for travel? here are some of the Essential tips while travelling in India to make your journey comfortable and stress-free:
- Complete Online Check-in: Queues and contact avoidance – check in through your airline’s website or app.
- Carry Necessary Documents: An Invalid ID, printed or digital boarding pass, as well as travel approvals/e-tickets should be taken everywhere.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before departure due to the more rigid procedures of safety.
- Pack Smartly: Reduce baggage and leave restricted items at home to move through the security quickly.
- Stay Updated: Enable airline notifications and stay updated on airport advisories of the moment.
- Follow Safety Measures: With relaxed COVID-19 guidelines, some airports still enforce basic hygiene – bring sanitizer and wear a mask if necessary.
If you consider planning your trip to India after the airport reopening, it is necessary to take measures in advance, take a breath, and cooperate with the airport staff. You must prepare to avoid delays and hassle in your journey.
With days of uncertainty at the India airport after the operation Shindoor, the reopening of the said airport takes a major step in normalizing Air operations in the country. It is gradually getting better as peace has held and airports are back in operation. But travellers are encouraged to stay vigilant and flexible as flights keep rescheduling to accommodate additional measures of security.
Regardless of the place that you are travelling to, the best tool at your disposal is your awareness. Check airline travel updates, government advisories, and reliable news reports. As the skies open, some planning can go a long way in ensuring that one enjoys a smooth travel experience.
Sources & References
Here are some reliable sources for ongoing updates and travel advisories:
- Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) – Official Website
https://www.civilaviation.gov.in - IndiGo Airlines Travel Alerts
https://www.goindigo.in - SpiceJet Updates
https://www.spicejet.com
