Over 200 flights were cancelled and at least 18 airports—including Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and Chandigarh—were shut temporarily on Wednesday after India launched missile strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The operation, aimed at eliminating key terrorist strongholds, significantly impacted civilian air travel and regional security.
Indian armed forces struck nine terror hubs, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operations in Muridke, following a recent attack in Pahalgam. Authorities swiftly implemented flight suspensions across northern and western airports amid heightened security concerns.
Major carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and international airlines halted services to and from affected regions, with IndiGo alone cancelling around 160 flights. Airlines announced rescheduling options and refunds for impacted passengers.
The military operation also sent shockwaves through the Pakistan Stock Exchange, which plunged by 6,500 points, triggering panic selling. Meanwhile, Pakistan closed its airspace, prompting Qatar Airways to suspend flights to the country.
As tensions mount, Indian aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advising passengers to check real-time updates before travelling.
