India-Pakistan Tensions Ease: Civil Flights Resume as 32 Airports Reopen

In a significant step towards normalization after days of heightened military tension between India and Pakistan, the Government of India has reopened 32 airports that had been shut since May 9, 2025. The move follows a peaceful night across Jammu and Kashmir—the first since hostilities began nearly five days ago—indicating de-escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border.

Airports Reopen After NOTAM Withdrawal

On May 12, 2025, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) officially revoked the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which had suspended flight operations across key airports in northern and northwestern India. The NOTAM had initially mandated a closure until May 15 due to the security situation stemming from cross-border tensions and retaliatory military action.

Background: Trigger and Escalation

The airspace restrictions were put in place following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, attributed to Pakistan-sponsored militants. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These actions prompted a war-like alert across the region, leading to the temporary shutdown of critical airports and rerouting of both domestic and international air traffic.

Full List of Reopened Airports

Flight operations will gradually resume at the following 32 airports:

• 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
• Uttarlai

Major airports like Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Amritsar confirmed the resumption of flight operations as of 10 AM on May 12.

Airline Updates: Gradual Resumption and Travel Advisory

Several Indian carriers have begun reinstating services, albeit with caution:

• IndiGo Airlines announced via social media platform X that flights to and from the affected airports would resume progressively. The airline also issued a waiver on change and cancellation fees until May 22, 2025.
• Air India has resumed select operations but advised travelers to monitor their website and app for the latest flight schedules. The airline is also offering rebooking support and flexible change policies.
• SpiceJet and Vistara are working on restoring regular routes over the next 48 hours. Both carriers have issued advisories alerting passengers of possible delays and last-minute cancellations as systems stabilize.

Airport Travel Advisories Still in Place

Despite the airspace reopening, security remains heightened at all 32 airports. The AAI and local airport authorities have retained enhanced screening protocols, and additional checks may lead to longer wait times at security counters.

Travelers are strongly advised to:

• Arrive early to account for extended security measures.
• Check real-time flight status through official airline websites or helplines.
• Stay updated on any last-minute changes or reroutes.

Some terminals, particularly those at military-civil enclaves like Hindon, Awantipur, and Thoise, may operate under restricted hours until full clearance is received.

Calm Returns to Conflict Zones

The Indian Army reported no incidents of hostilities during the night preceding the reopening of the airspace, marking the first calm period since the conflict escalated. This peaceful development across Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining regions played a crucial role in the government’s decision to lift the air travel ban.

Summing Up

The reopening of 32 airports across India marks a hopeful turn in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. While full-scale operations are expected to resume gradually, the decision signals a move towards de-escalation and renewed connectivity for thousands of travelers. Passengers are advised to remain updated via official airline notifications and advisories.