New Delhi [India]: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport remained open and fully operational on Friday despite heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, which led to the closure of several airports across northern India. However, the ongoing geopolitical situation has significantly disrupted flight schedules, with 138 flights cancelled as of May 9.
According to sources at Delhi Airport, the cancellations include:
- 63 domestic arrivals
- 66 domestic departures
- 4 incoming international flights
- 5 outgoing international flights
An official airport spokesperson confirmed:
“Delhi airport is open and operational. Only some flights were cancelled.”
Passengers have been strongly advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status before heading to the airport.
Impact on Other Airports:
#6ETravelAdvisory: Your safety is paramount. Flights to/from the following cities are cancelled until 2359 hrs on 10th May. We are here to help you travel with ease. Check flight status here https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV. To rebook or claim a refund, visit https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP. pic.twitter.com/v5BSdX3dDo
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 9, 2025
IndiGo Airlines announced via its official X handle that all flights to and from the following cities have been cancelled until midnight on May 10, 2025:
- Srinagar
- Jammu
- Amritsar
- Leh
- Chandigarh
- Dharamshala
- Bikaner
- Jodhpur
- Kishangarh
- Rajkot
IndiGo assured passengers it would provide real-time updates and support to modify travel plans.
Mumbai International Airport also issued an advisory. While operations are ongoing, passengers may face delays due to heightened security measures. Travelers have been urged to arrive early to accommodate longer screening times.
Context of Escalation:
These travel disruptions follow a major military escalation along India’s western front. According to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Pakistani army deployed 300–400 drones across 36 locations on the night of May 7–8, targeting Indian military installations.
“On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border to target military infrastructure… heavy-calibre weapons were also used along the Line of Control,” she stated.
“Initial investigations suggest the drones were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models.”
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted the recklessness of Pakistan’s tactics:
“Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 08:30 pm. Pakistan is using a civil airliner as a shield… This is unsafe for unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights that fly near IB between India and Pakistan.”
She also displayed FlightRadar24 data showing that while Indian civil airspace was cleared due to the alert, Pakistani civil aircraft continued to operate, endangering lives.
Military Response:
The Pakistani provocation was reportedly in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor, during which the Indian Armed Forces targeted nine terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
According to ANI sources:
- Over 50 Pakistani drones were shot down by Indian forces.
- A Pakistani Air Defence system in Lahore was neutralised during the response.
- India’s drone and missile defence systems remain on high alert.