India reopens 30+ airports after ceasefire with Pakistan

India has reopened over 30 airports in the north and north-western regions after a temporary closure due to heightened tensions with Pakistan, following a ceasefire agreement between the two countries announced over the weekend.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on May 12 lifted Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) that had restricted civilian flight operations until May 15, Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

The move comes as part of de-escalation measures, allowing commercial airlines to resume services to airports that had been closed since May 7.

In a public notice, the AAI confirmed: “It is informed that these airports are now available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect. Travellers are advised to check flight status directly with airlines and monitor airline websites for regular updates.”

Among the affected airports were key hubs including Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Leh. The full list also includes smaller but strategically significant airfields such as Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner.

IndiGo, one of India’s largest carriers, announced plans to gradually resume operations. “In line with the latest government directives, the airports are open for operations. We will progressively commence operations on the previously closed routes,” the airline said in a statement on X.

The airspace restrictions, which led to the cancellation of more than 500 flights, were implemented in response to rising military tensions earlier this month. Flights were grounded amid fears of escalation before both countries agreed to a ceasefire.

Despite the resumption of air travel, Indian authorities are maintaining a high-security posture in light of recent incidents, including a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued enhanced security directives, including mandatory Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPCs) for all passengers boarding aircraft. In addition, visitor access to terminal buildings has been banned, and air marshals will be deployed based on risk assessments.

“All passengers at all airports will undergo Secondary Ladder Point Check. Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been banned. Air Marshal will be deployed accordingly,” said the Ministry of Civil Aviation in a statement.

To recall, tensions between India and Pakistan have eased following several days of cross-border clashes, with both sides agreeing to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The escalation began after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead, which New Delhi attributed to Pakistan-based militants. 

In response, India launched airstrikes on what it described as militant camps, while Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft and launched retaliatory strikes. Both nations reported conflicting casualty figures and accused each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev