Operation Sindoor Grounds Flights Across 27 Indian Airports: Here’s How to Get Your Refund

Air travel across India has been severely affected due to the ongoing military action, Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian government in retaliation to the brutal killing of Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir last month.

A total of 27 airports across northern, western and central India have been closed to civilian flights.

Major carriers, such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have suspended operations on these routes till further notice and are offering full refunds to the affected passengers. The airlines are further offering flexible rebooking options and have facilitated support for affected passengers.

What is Operation Sindoor?

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of airstrikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The military action was in response to the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
Operation Sindoor was aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has described the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory”, adding that it targeted only terrorist infrastructure and not any civilian and military installations in Pakistan.

Airports Shut, Flights Cancelled

However, Pakistan launched attacks against India, including civilian and military targets across 15 places in northern and western India, which India successfully neutralised. Following a series of retaliatory strikes by India against Pakistan, India also imposed airspace restrictions on civilian flights. As a result, 27 airports across northern, western, and central India were shut down to civilian traffic. This led to flight cancellations and diversions in multiple airports at the affected places.

Major airlines have suspended certain routes. The airlines have issued passenger advisories to be informed of their rights. They are offering full refunds and waiving cancellation fees to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

How to Get a Refund

If your flight was cancelled due to these disruptions, here's what you need to know:
• Full Refunds: Airlines are providing refunds for cancelled flights. The travellers who have pre-bookings can cancel and take refund.
• No Cancellation Fees: Cancellation before a certain time is subjected to a fee. However, cancellation fees are being waived for affected flights in view of the recent developments to minimise inconvenience.
• Flexible Policies: Passengers have been given the option to opt for alternative flights without additional charges.
• Contact Channels: Airlines have set up dedicated helplines. Passengers can communicate with the airlines through emails, messages, and social media for further clarity on their flights and cancellations.

Passenger Rights Under DGCA Rules

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), passengers have certain rights related to cancellation of flights by carriers. They are as follows.

• Advance Notice: In case of flight cancellation, airlines must inform passengers at least 24 hours before departure. It is a passenger’s right to know if their flight has been cancelled to make other arrangements
• Compensation: If informed less than 24 hours in advance, passengers may be entitled to compensation ranging from Rs 5,000-10,000, depending on the flight duration.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: In cases of natural disasters or political instability that may cause security risks, airlines are not obligated to provide compensation.

Steps to Claim Your Refund

Here’s how you can check with your airline to claim your refund.
• Check Airline Communication: Look for emails, messages, or app notifications from your airline regarding the cancellation.
• Visit Official Websites: Use the airline’s official website or app to initiate the refund process.
• Contact Customer Service: If needed, call the airline’s customer service for assistance.
• Third-Party Bookings: If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, coordinate with them for your refund.
• Keep Records: Save all communications and receipts related to your booking and refund request. Keeping a record might help in making fare adjustments in the future.

Stay Updated

Given the evolving situation, it’s crucial to stay informed:
• Monitor News: Keep an eye on reliable news sources such as government announcements for updates on airspace restrictions and operations. This will help you in being sync with the airlines updates
• Follow Airlines: Check your airline’s official channels for the latest information posted. It is important to be up to date with that information.
• Plan Ahead: If you have upcoming travel plans, it is advised to consider flexible booking options and travel insurance.