All civil flight activities at these airports will remain suspended during this period. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) due to operational reasons
New Delhi: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations, effective till May 14.
The closure “corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025, due to operational reasons,” said the Ministry of Civil Aviation in its latest update in the early morning hours.
The following airports are affected by the NOTAM — Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise and Uttarlai.
All civil flight activities at these airports will remain suspended during this period. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) due to operational reasons.
“As per NOTAM G0555/25 (which replaces G0525/25), the 25 route segments will remain unavailable from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on 14th May 2025 (which corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025),” said the ministry.
“Airlines and flight operators have been advised to plan alternate routings as per current air traffic advisories.
The temporary closure is being managed in coordination with relevant ATC units to ensure safety and minimise disruption, the ministry added.
At least 60 domestic flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled on Saturday, a source said.
Security measures have been beefed up, and at least 32 airports in northern and western parts of the country have been temporarily shut as the military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified.
The source said 30 domestic departures and 30 arrivals were cancelled at the Delhi airport from 5.00 am to 2.30 pm.
Leading carrier Air India said that in the prevailing situation, “we urge all travellers to stay informed”.
“Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from these 9 airports – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are being cancelled till 0529 hours on 15 May. However, this is an evolving situation, and we request customers to check our official social media handles for latest updates,” said the airline.
In line with the orders from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to enhance security measures at airports across the country, customers are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 minutes before departure.
“As per the advisory issued by Delhi airport, customers should prepare for additional time at security checkpoints and cooperate with the airline and security staff for smooth processing. We advise all passengers to check their flight status on our website before heading to the airport,” Air India further stated.
CISF extends an additional security cover to supervise cargo operations and in-line hold baggage screening system at 69 civil airports
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Saturday said it has extended an additional security cover to temporarily supervise cargo operations and in-line hold baggage screening system at 69 civil airports of the country under its counter-terrorist cover.
A spokesperson for the paramilitary force said the move has been initiated following a directive issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 9 “temporarily” extending CISF’s cover to these processes in “direct response” to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent security scenario in the country.
This new arrangement will be in place till May 18, the spokesperson said.
The CISF usually is only entrusted to frisk passengers and their cabin baggage. The cargo and In-line Hold Baggage Screening System (ILHBSS) checking was done by private security staff engaged by the airlines and airport operators.
“The enhancement of CISF’s mandate is essential to reinforce security arrangements at all civil airports,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the CISF has responded immediately and resumed “oversight” over cargo and baggage operations.
The CISF will also “oversee” operations and the security staff of airport operators for ILHBSS, he said.
The directives also authorise CISF personnel to perform random checks and oversee access control to these “critical” facilities (airports), the spokesperson added.
All the airports under cover of the CISF have “already implemented” the new strengthened system, he said.
Prior to this directive, CISF’s deployment as the primary aviation security force did not explicitly extend to the direct security and screening of cargo operations and the ILHBSS, officials explained.
The decision aims to introduce a crucial secondary layer of security checks to enhance aviation security, he said.
DG Shipping increases maritime security for Indian ports, terminals
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to “MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security”, considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said.
The directive was issued on May 8, the official added.
The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments.
Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk.
This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information.
Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates.
Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement. He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.