New Delhi: Air travelers in northern and western India are advised to brace for potential disruptions as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and aviation authorities have announced the temporary closure of 32 airports for all civil flight operations. The shutdown is scheduled to be effective from May 9th to May 14th, 2025, extending until 0529 IST on May 15th, 2025. The AAI cited “operational reasons” for this widespread temporary measure.
The affected airports span across several states and union territories, including: Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipura, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai. All civil flight activities at these locations will be suspended throughout the specified period.
Adding to the potential impact on air travel, the AAI has also extended the temporary unavailability of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs). According to NOTAM G0555/25, which supersedes an earlier notification (G0525/25), these route segments will remain closed from ground level to unlimited altitude until 2359 UTC on May 14th, 2025 (0529 IST on May 15th, 2025).
Airlines and flight operators have been formally advised to revise their flight plans and identify alternate routes in accordance with the latest air traffic advisories issued by the AAI. The AAI has stated that this temporary closure is being carefully managed in coordination with the relevant Air Traffic Control (ATC) units to prioritize the safety of air operations and minimize any inconvenience to passengers. Travelers are strongly recommended to contact their respective airlines for the most up-to-date information regarding their flight schedules and potential changes.