Global air travel chaos as military tensions shut down 27 airports, affecting hundreds of flights

Airport closures began after India’s airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which marked the most severe military clash between the countries in more than 20 years

Global air travel is facing major disruptions as numerous airlines are either rerouting or canceling flights due to safety fears amid the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan.

India launched airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in what marked the biggest military confrontation between the two countries in over two decades. As a result, the Indian government has temporarily shut down 27 airports.

The closures include airports across northern, western, and central India and are set to last until May 10, according to the Times of India. Around 430 flights have already been canceled due to the airport closures, which equates to roughly 3% of India’s scheduled flights.

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Air travel in Pakistan has also been significantly impacted. It’s reported that 17% of flights in Pakistan have been canceled.

Several airports across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, including those in Amritsar, Shimla, Jodhpur, and Jamnagar, are among those now closed. These airport closures began shortly after India’s strikes, which occurred around 1.30am on Wednesday, reports the Express.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued two NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), with the first impacting 18 airports, and a second notice at 3.20 pm, extending the shutdown to include an additional nine airports, as per the Hindustan Times.

A number of airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have had to cancel their flights. It’s not just national airlines that have been forced to reroute or cancel flights.

Major international carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines have had to alter their flight paths or cancel services to steer clear of the conflict zone.

Korean Air has opted for a detour on its Incheon–Dubai route, now flying over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India instead of its regular path through Pakistan airspace. Meanwhile, since May 6, Singapore Airlines has ceased flying over Pakistan, while KLM has suspended its flights over the country “until further notice.”

In anticipation of possible assaults, India is conducting civil defense exercises. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Bhopal Airport posted: “As part of the Civil Defence Mock Drill, complete blackout was observed at Bhopal Airport on 07.05.2025 from 1930 to 1942 hrs.”

The airport added: “All lights, including terminal, operational area and other aviation lights were switched off during this period.”