Travel Advisory: Avoid Non-Essential Travel To These Indian States As 27 Airports Shut Amid Rising Tensions With Pakistan

In the aftermath of a lethal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in Jammu & Kashmir, where 27 people were killed by Pakistani terrorists on April 22, 2025, tension has increased. The Resistance Front took the responsibility for the attack, after which India responded to with a calculated and focused mission named Operation Sindoor on May 7 2025. Pakistan attacked Indian border areas with drone and missile strikes at night in Poonch where 13 people were killed in the shelling and more than 59 people injured severely. Blackouts have been observed in various North-Western cities.

Travellers are advised not to plan non-essential trips or vacations in these tough times. Some people are also cancelling their planned trips beforehand to avoid losing money.

27 Airports Shut Down post Operation Sindoor

Air traffic between the east and west has shifted to Mumbai due to airlines bypassing Pakistan airspace, leading to congestion. As Pakistan escalates the conflict, aircraft will take farther away routes in Indian airspace, resulting in slightly longer flights and late arrivals. Indian carriers have pulled out their aircraft from 27 closed airports, with crew stationed there being brought to Delhi or other places by trains. It is uncertain when normalcy will return, and these airports will open. Indian carriers, such as IndiGo, have flown out four aircraft from Chandigarh, and their crew has been brought to Delhi by train. Flights between North India, Western India, and other western regions might become longer, especially during diversions. Previously used alternate airports like Rajkot are no longer available, forcing aircraft to opt for more distant alternatives like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Goa.

IndiGo released the following statement on the matter of shutting down airports amid increasing war tension:

“Travel Advisory

Your safety and security remain paramount.

Due to the current situation, all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot are cancelled until 2359 hrs till May 10, 2025. We are monitoring this closely and are in continuous coordination with all authorities.

We will keep you informed through official updates and are available to support you with changes to your travel plans.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Here are listed airports that have been from now till Saturday morning:

• Srinagar

• Jammu

• Leh

• Chandigarh

• Amritsar

• Ludhiana

• Patiala

• Bhatinda

• Halwara

• Pathankot

• Bhuntar

• Shimla

• Gaggal

• Dharamsala

• Kishangarh

• Jaisalmer

• Jodhpur

• Bikaner

• Jodhpur

• Jamnagar

• Rajkot

• Porbandar

• Kandla

• Keshod

• Bhuj

• Gwalior

• Hindon

States on High Alert

4 Major States are currently on high alert amid increasing tension post Operation Sindoor. Following the Poonch shelling, the government has put these cities on high alert as they are more likely to be attacked if the situation escalates or gets out of hand, to show more caution.

Punjab

The state shares a 532-kilometre international border with Pakistan and has acted swiftly by increasing security measures. Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora stated that all districts near the border were put on high alert, and all public events, including those organized by the government, were cancelled as a safety measure.

Rajasthan

Authorities in Rajasthan took significant safety steps due to its border with Pakistan. Airports in Kishangarh and Jodhpur were closed until May 10. Security patrols were increased, and air defence units were activated. Schools and coaching centres in several districts were shut. Emergency alerts were issued by local officials. Jaisalmer faced a rare four-hour power blackout at night. Exams on May 8 were postponed. Government workers were told to stay at their posts. Hospitals stocked up on supplies. Fuel stations were asked to keep reserves. Plans were made to evacuate vulnerable villages. Officials warned people against spreading fake news and hoarding essentials.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, flights from Bhuj and Rajkot airports were stopped for three days. These airports were only used for military planes. Security was tightened in border and coastal areas, especially in Jamnagar. Teams like SOG, Marine Police, and Task Force checked sensitive zones like Halar Beach. At Ahmedabad airport, eight flights were cancelled, and others were delayed due to airspace restrictions and military drills. Railway stations were also affected. At Ahmedabad station, RPF, GRP, and Quick Reaction Teams did joint security checks. Baggage checks were increased, and all entry points were watched. Anti-sabotage drills and flag marches were done too.

Uttar Pradesh

According to PTI, Uttar Pradesh declared a red alert on May 7 after Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, including those of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. UP DGP Prashant Kumar said on social media that all police units were told to work with defence forces and secure important sites. He added that the UP Police is alert, well-equipped, and ready to protect citizens.

Jammu Kashmir

Srinagar Airport in Jammu and Kashmir has been placed on high alert amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Intelligence reports indicate a potential drone strike targeting transport infrastructure, prompting authorities to activate air defence systems and deploy additional counter-drone measures. While no active threats have been confirmed, security agencies are closely monitoring aerial movements in the region. Passenger movement is under heightened scrutiny, though commercial flight operations remain unaffected for now. The situation is being treated with utmost seriousness due to the ongoing military standoff between the two nations.

Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert due to rising tension after Operation Sindoor. Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu Kashmir share borders with Pakistan, making them likely targets. These areas are close to the border and have seen past attacks. Security forces fear cross-border strikes or terror activity. Uttar Pradesh, though it does not share a border with Pakistan, has key routes and important sites. It is also a densely populated state, so extra caution is needed. All five states have boosted security, cancelled events, and increased patrolling. The common reason is their strategic and sensitive locations during conflict.