Air India Cancels Flights to Jammu, Leh, Amritsar and More Amid Security Concerns: Here’s What Travelers Should Know

By | May 13, 2025

After IndiGo suspended its services to several northern cities, Air India has now followed by grounding flights to multiple key destinations. The airline announced on Tuesday, 13th May, that it canceled flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot due to recent security-related developments.

Air India Issues Official Advisory

The airline shared an important update on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May.”

Air India also urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and offered options for rescheduling or refunds.

Why Did Air India Cancel These Flights?

Air India didn’t give specific reasons for the cancellations, but aviation sources point to rising security concerns. Most of the affected cities lie close to India’s international borders or house major military bases. In such regions, authorities often restrict air travel during periods of heightened alert or defense activity.

Instead of waiting for potential disruptions, Air India acted preemptively to ensure passenger safety and avoid last-minute chaos.

IndiGo Took Similar Steps Earlier

Earlier in the day, IndiGo suspended its flights to cities like Leh and Jammu. Both airlines seem to have responded to the same advisory, likely shared through official security or defense channels. This kind of coordination often signals serious developments that affect civilian flight operations, especially near sensitive areas.

Cities Affected by the Cancellations

Let’s take a closer look at the cities impacted by Air India’s decision:

  • Jammu: Located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, this city often faces flight restrictions during high-alert periods due to its proximity to border areas.
  • Leh: A key hub in Ladakh, Leh attracts tourists and defense personnel alike. Military activities in the region sometimes lead to temporary airspace closures.
  • Amritsar: As one of Punjab’s busiest airports, Amritsar sees both domestic and international traffic. Its proximity to the Pakistan border makes it a sensitive zone.
  • Jodhpur: This city shares its airport with the Indian Air Force, and routine defense operations can influence civilian flight schedules.
  • Chandigarh: The capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh also shares air infrastructure with the military, which can lead to sudden changes in flight availability.
  • Bhuj and Jamnagar: Both cities in Gujarat lie near coastal defense areas. Flight services here often pause during defense drills or emergencies.
  • Rajkot: An emerging industrial center, Rajkot rarely sees cancellations, so its inclusion in the list suggests broader regional caution.

What Should Passengers Do Now?

Air India has encouraged travelers to take the following steps:

  • Check flight status using the airline’s website, app, or customer care number.
  • Contact customer service to reschedule or request a full refund.
  • Avoid heading to the airport unless your flight is confirmed.

The airline has promised flexibility and support for affected passengers. Travelers can choose to rebook without paying change fees or request a complete refund if their flight was canceled.

How Long Will These Cancellations Last?

Right now, the cancellations only apply to Tuesday, 13th May. Air India hasn’t announced any changes to flights scheduled later this week. However, depending on how the situation unfolds, more cancellations could follow. Passengers planning trips to these regions should remain alert and follow airline updates closely.

No Public Statement from Government Yet

So far, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have not released a formal explanation. However, this is typical in cases involving national security. Authorities usually share instructions directly with airlines and airport operators to avoid causing public panic.

A senior aviation official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that airlines often suspend flights near military zones when defense agencies issue internal alerts.

Travel Experts Advise Caution

Aviation experts recommend staying flexible with travel plans, especially when flying to border areas. “These cancellations are precautionary and prioritize safety. While they may be inconvenient, it’s better to delay a flight than to face mid-air diversions or emergency landings,” one analyst noted.

The current cancellations remind travelers of the dynamic nature of air travel in sensitive regions. Whether caused by military drills, geopolitical tension, or airspace restrictions, these decisions usually aim to protect lives and maintain national security.

Final Thoughts

Air India’s cancellation of flights to cities like Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and others on 13th May reflects a proactive response to possible threats. With IndiGo also grounding flights to similar destinations, travelers must stay informed and adapt quickly.

If you’re flying to or from any of the affected areas, make sure to check your flight status frequently. Use airline support lines, apps, or websites to reschedule or get a refund, and avoid unnecessary travel to the airport.

While the reasons behind these cancellations remain under wraps, airlines have taken the right steps by putting safety first. More updates may follow soon, so travelers should keep an eye on official advisories throughout the week.