Air India, IndiGo Suspend Flights to Key Cities Amid Heightened India-Pakistan Tensions

Air travel to and from several northern and western Indian cities faced major disruption on Tuesday as leading airlines IndiGo and Air India cancelled multiple flights citing security precautions due to rising cross-border tensions.

Flights grounded at Delhi Airport as Air India and IndiGo cancel multiple routes amid cross-border tension.

Both airlines confirmed the cancellations were prompted by heightened airspace restrictions following recent military escalations between India and Pakistan. Affected destinations include Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Rajkot, Bhuj, Jodhpur, and Jamnagar.

IndiGo announced a blanket suspension of flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 11:59 pm. “We understand this may affect your travel plans and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Passenger safety remains our highest priority,” the airline stated.

Air India mirrored the move, halting operations to the same regions and also affecting Jodhpur, Bhuj, and Jamnagar. The airline issued a travel advisory via social media platform X, noting that services would be resumed based on real-time evaluations of the security scenario.

This precautionary measure follows a reported drone scare in several sensitive border zones, including Samba, Akhnoor, Kathua, and Jaisalmer. Although initial alarms were raised, the Indian Army later confirmed that no new drone activity had been detected and that the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan remains intact, according to ANI.

On Monday night, an IndiGo flight headed to Amritsar was forced to return to Delhi mid-route due to sudden blackout protocols imposed in Amritsar, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation on the ground.

While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reopened airports on Monday, airlines have opted for caution, gradually reintroducing services only when assured of passenger safety. Air India, in an update, said it was coordinating with aviation authorities to resume normal operations.

“Our teams are working on progressively restoring connectivity. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding,” the airline noted.

Meanwhile, defence sources reported that a small number of hostile drones from across the border were intercepted in the Samba sector overnight. Visuals showed red tracer rounds lighting up the sky as Indian air defence systems neutralized the threats.

Officials have reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm and that robust monitoring systems are in place across critical airspace corridors.