New Delhi: Despite the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, 24 Indian airports remain non-operational, causing significant disruptions in air travel. A total of 444 flights have been canceled today, affecting major cities across the country.
Flight Operations Halted in Key Cities
Several airports, including Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, Ladakh, Dharamshala, Shimla, Adampur, and Chandigarh, have suspended all flight operations. Srinagar Airport, closed for seven consecutive days, has canceled 65 flights, while Leh Kaushik Airport in Ladakh and Jammu Airport have grounded all 30 and 20 scheduled flights, respectively. Additionally, Chandigarh Airport has canceled 84 flights, severely impacting passenger travel.
Widespread Disruptions Across Multiple Airports
Other affected airports include Jodhpur, Rajkot Herasar, and Bhuj in Gujarat, with 20, 20, and 10 flights canceled, respectively. The extended closure of these airports has left thousands of passengers stranded, with no immediate resolution in sight. The disruptions follow heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to operational shutdowns for security reasons.
Background: Escalation and Ceasefire
The airport closures come after recent military exchanges between India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes targeted several Indian military installations, including air bases in Adampur, Udhampur, and Jammu. The conflict prompted US mediation, resulting in a ceasefire declaration two days ago. However, the continued suspension of flight operations indicates lingering security concerns. Authorities have yet to announce a timeline for resuming normal operations at the affected airports.
