32 Airports Reopen After India-Pakistan Tensions Ease – Full List Inside

By | May 12, 2025

In a major move towards restoring normalcy, India is reopening 32 airports that were temporarily closed following heightened military activity along the India-Pakistan border. The closures were enforced after Indian airstrikes targeted terrorist camps inside Pakistan on May 7 under a classified mission called Operation Sindoor.

Why Were Airports Closed?

The airport shutdowns were a precautionary step taken after the Indian Air Force launched coordinated strikes on nine terrorist sites across Pakistan-administered regions. The operation came in response to intelligence reports warning of planned attacks on Indian territory.

To protect civilian lives and maintain national security, authorities suspended commercial flight operations at key airports, especially in areas close to the border. The move disrupted travel for thousands of passengers and caused delays in cargo movement, affecting both domestic and international carriers.

Operation Sindoor: A Brief Overview

Operation Sindoor marked a bold and calculated response to cross-border threats. According to sources in the defense establishment, the Indian Air Force used precision-guided missiles and fighter jets to eliminate key terror infrastructure operated by banned groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The mission was executed during the early hours of May 7 to avoid civilian casualties. While the Indian government has maintained that the strikes were based on solid intelligence, Pakistan has dismissed the allegations and termed the operation a breach of its sovereignty.

So far, the global community has reacted with caution. While many countries have refrained from taking sides, several have urged both nations to de-escalate and engage through diplomatic channels.

Airports Set to Resume Operations

As tensions subside and no further escalation has been reported since May 8, Indian aviation authorities have decided to lift airspace restrictions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, after consulting with defense officials, has given the green light for 32 airports to resume normal operations.

Here’s the complete list of airports reopening this week:

North India:

  • Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
  • Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)
  • Leh (Ladakh)
  • Amritsar (Punjab)
  • Pathankot (Punjab)
  • Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Kullu (Himachal Pradesh)

West India:

  • Jaipur (Rajasthan)
  • Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
  • Udaipur (Rajasthan)
  • Bikaner (Rajasthan)
  • Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
  • Suratgarh (Rajasthan)
  • Nal (Bikaner, Rajasthan)

Other Regions:

  • Chandigarh
  • Ambala (Haryana)
  • Sirsa (Haryana)
  • Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
  • Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Sarsawa (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Hindon (Ghaziabad)
  • Bathinda (Punjab)
  • Halwara (Punjab)
  • Adampur (Punjab)
  • Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)

Most of these airports are either located near the western border or share runways with military airbases, making them sensitive in times of national security operations. With the situation now under control, these facilities are preparing to resume full-scale operations.

Relief for Flyers and Airlines

The reopening of these airports is welcome news for travelers, airlines, and logistics companies. During the closure, several flights had to be diverted, delayed, or cancelled, leading to confusion and inconvenience for passengers.

Airlines have begun updating their schedules, and many have started restoring services to the affected cities. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has advised passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, as operations will resume in phases.

Cargo operators also faced significant challenges due to the shutdown, especially with shipments involving perishable goods or urgent medical supplies. With routes reopening, supply chains are expected to stabilize quickly.

Heightened Security Continues

While flight services are resuming, security at these airports remains on high alert. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) teams have been directed to increase surveillance, and thorough checks are being carried out at entry and boarding points.

Local authorities have also ramped up coordination with intelligence agencies to monitor any potential threats. Security officials have confirmed that all safety protocols will remain in place until further notice.

Political Reactions and Public Mood

The Indian government has described Operation Sindoor as a decisive strike against terrorism and emphasized that the actions were defensive and based on intelligence. Several political leaders across party lines have expressed support for the armed forces, calling the mission a demonstration of India’s resolve against cross-border threats.

On the other hand, peace advocates have voiced concerns about escalating military actions and have urged both countries to prioritize dialogue over conflict.

Public sentiment, meanwhile, has largely favored the armed forces. Social media has been abuzz with patriotic messages, and hashtags related to the operation have trended for days. Citizens from all corners of the country have applauded the military’s swift response while hoping for a return to lasting peace.

Looking Ahead

The reopening of these 32 airports is a clear sign that the situation is stabilizing. While the recent conflict highlighted the fragile nature of peace in the region, it also reinforced India’s commitment to national security.

As air travel resumes and daily life returns to normal, the focus now shifts to diplomatic efforts to prevent further hostilities. For now, the skies over northern India are once again open – a welcome development for passengers, pilots, and everyone hoping for a peaceful future.