Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi/ Bengaluru
New Delhi / Bengaluru, May 9: In response to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan following missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented strict security measures and protocols at airports across the country.
Several northern and western Indian airports have been closed for commercial operations until at least May 10. Ass many as 24 airports have been closed for commercial operations until at least May 10, primarily in northern and western regions. These include: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, and Bhuj.
Delhi and Mumbai airports remain operational but are experiencing significant delays and cancellations due to reinforced security. Delhi Airport alone saw 138 flight cancellations on May 9.
Passengers nationwide are advised to arrive at airports at least three hours prior to departure to accommodate intensified screening, including mandatory Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC). The BCAS has also banned visitor entry into terminal buildings and suspended visitor ticket sales. CCTV surveillance has been enhanced, and air marshals are being deployed as per risk assessments.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and others have urged travellers to comply fully. “In view of security concerns, all passengers are advised to reach the airport no less than three hours before flight departure to undergo thorough screening procedures,” KIA stated.
Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have issued similar advisories. Many have cancelled or rescheduled flights, offering full refunds or one-time rescheduling waivers to affected passengers. For example, IndiGo has suspended flights to multiple cities in North India until midnight on May 10, while Air India flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and others are halted until 05:29 am on May 10.
Travellers are urged to carry valid government-issued ID, limit hand baggage to one piece up to 7 kilos, and check flight status before proceeding to the airport. The situation remains fluid and passengers are advised to follow official updates regularly.