24 airports shut in India amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions; check full list here before travelling

With the summer season here many Indians have made travel plans to different parts of the country During this time of the year airports and railway stations usually experience heavy holiday rushHowever due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan along the international border and security concerns in northern and western states of the country several airports in India have been temporarily shut down and airlines have issued travel advisoriesHeres what tourists should knowFollowing Operation Sindoor the tensions between the two countries escalated further on Thursday evening after Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian cities in Jammu and Kashmir Punjab Gujarat and Rajasthan which were effectively repulsed by Indian Armed Forces followed by retaliatory action by IndiaIf you have travel plans read this before heading to the airportFull list of airports shut downThe Civil Aviation Ministry said that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday eveningAccording to IANS the Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures or the reasons behind the move However these closures are part of a broader security protocol with several of the affected airports located close to the international border or in strategically significant areasAccording to a list released by PIB Fact Check here are the 24 airports that have been temporarily shut for civil flight operationsChandigarhSrinagarAmritsarLudhianaBhuntarKishengarhPatialaShimlaKangraGaggalBathindaJaisalmerJodhpurBikanerHalwaraPathankotJammuLehMundraJamnagarHirasar RajkotPorbandarKeshodKandlaBhujEnhanced security measuresIn addition to the flight operations shutdown at these airports enhanced security protocols have been implemented at several other airportsThe Bureau of Civil Aviation Security BCAS has advised all airlines and airports in the country to strengthen security measures IANS reportedSome security measures includeAll passengers will go through a Secondary Ladder Point Check SLPC often known as preboarding inspections at all airportsVehicles will be carefully examined at all airport terminals IDs will be checked before admittance and passenger luggage will be scrutinised at randomVisitor entry to terminal buildings has been prohibited Air Marshals will be deployed accordinglyTravel advisories issued by airlinesMajor Indian airlines have issued travel advisories in view of the situation and travellers are advised to read the same and plan accordingly Confirm specific details with airlines before heading to the airportAir India wrote in a post on social media platform X formerly Twitter Due to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures at airports passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for checkin and boarding Checkin will close 75 minutes before departureTravelAdvisoryIn view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth checkin and boardinghellipmdash Air India airindia May 8 2025Akasa Air posted a similar notice on X saying Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to their departure This is to ensure a smooth checkin and boarding processPassengers must carry valid governmentapproved photo ID for airport entry In addition to checked baggage only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding it addedTravelUpdate Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a seamless checkin and boarding experience Please ensure you carry valid government approved photo identificationhellipmdash Akasa Air AkasaAir May 8 2025IndiGo also issued a statement which readDuring these extraordinary times heightened security measures are being implemented at all airports Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate security checks and formalities We appreciate your understanding and cooperation6ETravelUpdateIn these extraordinary times heightened security measures are taken up across all airports We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities We appreciate your understanding and cooperationmdash IndiGo IndiGo6E May 8 2025In addition to following the travel guidelines travellers must prioritise their safety and avoid travelling to highrisk areas in view of the situationWith inputsfromIANSatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params