‍DALLAS — As a step towards normalcy, the Indian government reopened 32 airports closed last week due to rising tensions with Pakistan. 

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on May 9 has been returned, meaning flights can start again from these places.

The news follows Pakistan reopening its airspace for all categories of flights this weekend after a ceasefire with India.

Airports Across North India Start Up Again

The airports affected include Chandigarh (IXC), Amritsar (ATQ), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), Leh (IXL), Pathankot (IXP), Jodhpur (JDH), and a few others, mostly in the northern states near the Pakistan border. 

The sudden closure created a lot of chaos, with flights getting cancelled or rerouted. Thousands of travellers were stuck or had to change plans.

Thankfully, after a few days of calm along the Line of Control (LoC) and reduction in shelling, the decision was made to resume operations.

Why It Was Shut Down

The situation became tense after an attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. In response, India had launched an operation called “Operation Sindoor,” with airstrikes targeting camps across the border.

Due to the security risk, airspace over large parts of northern India was closed for civil aviation and handed over to the Indian Air Force.

After intense back-channel diplomatic talks and an unofficial ceasefire, the Ministry of Defense finally allowed flights to restart. Control of the airspace has also been returned to civil aviation teams instead of being under the Air Force.

Airlines Back to Work 

Airlines like IndiGo (6E), Vistara (UK), and others are updating their flight schedules. Airport staff have been called in to make sure everything is ready. Because of the summer vacation season, the timing of the reopening is important for the regional travel industry.

Tourism and hotel businesses, especially in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, were affected by this closure, the airport reopening a relief for them and travelers, too.

Even though this move is welcomed, Indian authorities are cautious. A senior official from the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry said, “It’s good that the skies are open again, but we’re keeping an eye on things.” 

Travelers are advised to keep checking flight status and any new updates from airlines.