10 May, India
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has suspended civilian flight operations at 32 airports until May 15.
Following increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian government suspended civilian air operations at 32 airports until May 15, 2025. The move was made as a precautionary measure to ensure national security during the worst military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades.
The crisis continued when on April 22, 2025, a terror attack occurred on 26 civilian targets, mostly 26 Hindu pilgrims who were tourists there, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to have its bases with the Pakistan-based outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Pakistan was held responsible by India for supporting cross-border terrorism through finances.
In retaliation which a series of retaliatory acts were taken, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was followed as well as sending away Pakistani envoys.
The closure of civilian flights impacts airports mainly in India’s northern and western areas, such as Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Pathankot, Shimla, Kangra, Kullu-Manali, and Pithoragarh. The Indian Air Force has taken over some of the airports, like Srinagar, to enable military operations.
Principal Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have suspended operations from and to the affected regions. International airlines have also diverted flights to steer clear of Pakistani skies, causing increased travel times and delays on flights between Europe and Asia.
Economic and Operational Impact
The airspace restrictions have economic importance. Indian airlines stand to lose additional weekly revenues of approximately ₹77 crore due to rerouted international flights from northern cities, involving increased fuel consumption and increased flight times. The overall monthly operating loss would be over ₹306 crore.
To prepare for possible escalation, India carried out a national emergency preparedness exercise called Operation Abhyaas on May 7, 2025. The exercise spanned 244 districts.
It involved testing air raid sirens, reading bomb shelters, conducting simulated blackouts, and training civilians in emergency preparedness procedures. Major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad have took part in the exercise.
International Concerns
The international community has expressed grave concern over the escalation of the conflict. The US, China, and the G7 have urged both countries to exercise restraint.
They have issued statements to both governments to pursue diplomatic possibilities. The US has volunteered to mediate and also noted that it would not intervene directly.
We find ourselves in a situation that remains volatile, and the fact that civilian flight operations are suspended shows the seriousness of the standoff at present. The Indian government is focused on national security against the operational and economic challenges of the ongoing conflict; the next days will determine whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate tensions and stabilize the situation to normalcy.
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