Airlines Issue Travel Advisories Following 'Operation Sindoor'

In a bold move that has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, 2025 — a carefully coordinated air strike targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation came as a direct response to the brutal Pahalgam attack of April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, many of whom were Hindu pilgrims. Indian authorities stated that the offensive was aimed at dismantling the operational infrastructure of groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

While India maintained the strikes were surgical and targeted, Pakistan condemned the attack, alleging civilian casualties, including women and children. The immediate aftermath has led to a surge in cross-border tensions, with reports of downed aircraft, intensified shelling, and mounting casualties on both sides. The global community has since called for restraint, urging both nations to avoid further escalation.

In response, several Indian and international airlines have issued critical travel advisories to ensure passenger safety.

Air India has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 12 noon on May 7, pending further government directives. Two international flights en route to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi as a precaution. The airline expressed regret for the disruption caused to its passengers.

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended its services to Pakistan due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The airline confirmed it is actively monitoring the situation and is prioritising the safety of passengers and crew. Affected travellers have been urged to check the latest updates on the airline’s website or contact its customer support centre.

Air India Express reported multiple flight disruptions across its network due to prevailing restrictions. Passengers have been requested to update their contact details to receive timely alerts and are encouraged to verify their flight status through the airline’s website or via its support chatbot and helpline.

Akasa Air confirmed that all operations to and from Srinagar have been suspended following the closure of the airport for civil aviation. Travellers have been asked to check flight statuses online and contact the 24x7 Akasa Care Centre for assistance.

SpiceJet stated that operations at several northern airports — including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Kandla — have been halted until further notice. The airline offered full refunds or alternate bookings to affected passengers and urged them to verify updates through its website or call centre.

IndiGo has also issued advisories concerning its operations to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Gwalior, all of which are affected by current airspace restrictions. Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport.

As the security situation remains fluid, airlines continue to prioritise safety while striving to minimise disruption for travellers across the region.