• Air India cancels flights to nine cities until May 10 due to Operation Sindoor-related airspace closures.
  • Over 200 flights across airlines have been grounded, with IndiGo and Alliance Air also affected.
  • Passengers offered rescheduling waivers and full refunds, with special provisions for defense personnel.

Air India Flight Disruptions Continue

Air India has extended cancellations for flights to and from nine cities—Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot—until 05:29 IST on May 10, 2025, following airspace restrictions imposed after India's military strikes under Operation Sindoor. The airline confirmed the adjustments in a late-night operational update, citing "evolving airspace availability" as the primary factor.

At least 18 regional airports remain partially or fully closed as precautionary measures, creating ripple effects across India's aviation sector. Competitor IndiGo has grounded approximately 165 flights, while Alliance Air scrubbed operations to six destinations including Shimla and Dharamshala. Aviation analysts estimate the total economic impact could exceed $18 million daily if disruptions persist.

Passenger Accommodations and Industry Fallout

Affected travelers can obtain full refunds or reschedule without penalty through Air India's portal, though customer service lines reportedly face heavy congestion. Defense personnel receive extended flexibility, with rebooking allowed until June 30 for tickets issued through May 31.

"We're working closely with authorities to restore normalcy," an Air India spokesperson said when reached for comment, declining to specify contingency plans for connecting international flights. Aviation consultants note the disruptions come during peak holiday travel season, compounding logistical challenges for airlines already grappling with elevated fuel costs.

Operational Context

The cancellations stem from precision strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which triggered reciprocal airspace closures. While main hubs like Delhi and Mumbai operate normally, regional connectivity remains severely constrained. Industry sources indicate private charter operators are experiencing unprecedented demand from corporate clients seeking alternate transport.

Correction: An earlier version misstated the end date as May 15; operations are currently suspended until May 10.