India Acts Swiftly To Secure Skies Closes Over Two Dozen Airports Amid War With Pakistan

Airlines on Thursday suspended flight operations from more than two dozen airports across northern and western regions of the country amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. In advisories to passengers, India’s key domestic airlines said their flights would remain suspended until Saturday from airports including Amritsar and Srinagar. Flight operations at Kishangarh, Bhuntar (Kullu) and Ludhiana airports have been suspended following a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the authorities. The list of airports closed amid the war between India and Pakistan was updated after Pakistan’s unprovoked and unsuccessful attempts to attack multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, Jaisalmer, Bathinda, among other border areas, on Thursday evening. Indigo, India’s biggest domestic carrier, on Wednesday cancelled 165 flights, while Air India and Air India Express had a similar number of cancellations. Air India even diverted two of its international flights en route from Amritsar, close to Lahore, to New Delhi, because of the sudden closure of the airport. Air India has issued a travel advisory amid military escalation between India and Pakistani forces, asking fliers to reach airports three hours before flight time. “In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure," the Air India advisory said. Akasa Air also issued an advisory asking passengers to report three hours before flight time. “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only 1 handbag weighing up to 7 kgs will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks prior to boarding," the advisory said. “To save time, we encourage you to check in online on http://akasaair.com or our mobile app. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding, and look forward to welcoming you aboard the Akasa experience," it added. This comes after Pakistan resorted to unprovoked artillery fire, drone and missile attacks in Jammu, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, Rajouri, Pathankot and Jalandhar. Missiles from Pakistan directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia were also intercepted by Indian air defence systems. According to the Defence Ministry, India swiftly foiled Pakistan’s attempts to target various key Indian installations, including military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, with drones and missiles. The Pakistani drones and missiles were effectively engaged by the Indian armed forces, thwarting the enemy’s attempts, officials said.