India Lifts Airspace Curbs; Flights Restart After Ceasefire Deal

Following a mutual ceasefire between India and Pakistan announced over the weekend, the Indian government has lifted the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) affecting civilian aircraft operations at multiple northern and northwestern airports. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the immediate resumption of operations on Monday.

AAI revoked temporary flight restrictions, initially enforced until 5:29 a.m. on May 15. These restrictions, which began on May 7, had suspended commercial flights across 32 strategic airfields due to heightened cross-border tensions.

The updated NOTAM withdrawal includes the following air hubs: Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Leh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Shimla, Dharamsala, and others across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Operations have resumed, though carriers are gradually restoring services. AAI advised travelers to verify flight status directly with respective airlines for real-time updates.

Airlines including IndiGo and SpiceJet confirmed operational reinstatements via official channels. IndiGo stated that it is progressively resuming flights on the affected routes. SpiceJet echoed the update, assuring customers of timely service restoration and acknowledging delays due to logistical adjustments.

The suspension had led to over 500 flight cancellations across domestic sectors. Affected passengers were provided full refunds or free rescheduling options by major carriers.

List of Airports Reopened for Civil Flights:

Adampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra, Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu-Manali, Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.

In response to the current threat environment, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has intensified airport safety protocols. Effective May 9, enhanced security measures include the mandatory implementation of Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) for all passengers.

Access to airport terminal buildings is now limited exclusively to ticketed passengers. Sale of visitor entry tickets has been suspended nationwide. Continuous operation of surveillance systems has been mandated. Additionally, air marshals will be deployed on select flights using a priority-based, randomized approach.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has expanded its scope to supervise security operations at 69 airports, covering cargo terminals and in-line hold baggage screening systems. This role extension, prompted by recent incidents such as the Pahalgam attack, will be in effect until May 18. Previously, such responsibilities were handled by private contractors under airline and airport management.