Key Highlights:
- IndiGo and Air India cancel flights to at least eight cities amid safety concerns
- Drone activity and heightened military alert spark precautionary measures
- Airlines assure passengers of efforts to resume normal operations
- Airports reopened, but airlines proceed cautiously following recent incidents
Flight operations across northern and western India faced major disruption today as IndiGo and Air India suspended services to several key cities due to escalating security tensions and precautionary airspace restrictions. The move follows reports of drone sightings and increased military surveillance along sensitive border areas.
IndiGo cancelled all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience, assuring passengers that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates. Similarly, Air India halted services on both legs of routes involving Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. The decision, the airline said, was taken “in view of the latest developments and keeping passenger safety in mind.”
The cancellations come after a reported incident on Monday evening, where an IndiGo flight to Amritsar was forced to return to Delhi due to enforced blackout protocols in the region. While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has reopened the affected airports, the airlines are adopting a cautious approach given the volatile security climate.
Adding to the concern were reports of Pakistani drones being intercepted by Indian air defence units in areas including Samba and Akhnoor. Red tracer lights and explosions were visible in the sky, though army sources later clarified the incursions were limited and being handled. The ceasefire between India and Pakistan remains technically in place.
Both airlines are now preparing to gradually resume flight operations. Air India confirmed that it is coordinating with aviation authorities to restore normalcy and urged passengers to remain patient. “We are working toward progressively restarting flights as the situation stabilizes,” the airline noted in a public update.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates and rebooking options.
