In a major development, IndiGo—India’s largest private airline—has temporarily suspended its flight operations to and from 10 northern Indian cities until 11:59 PM on May 10, 2025. While the airline hasn’t officially cited the reason, sources suggest that the decision is likely linked to security-related airspace concerns.
The following cities will see complete flight cancellations by IndiGo during this period:
Srinagar
Jammu
Amritsar
Leh
Chandigarh
Dharamshala
Bikaner
Jodhpur
Kishangarh
Rajkot
Though IndiGo has not explicitly revealed the cause behind the suspensions, aviation sources attribute the move to heightened military and security restrictions. Cities like Srinagar, Leh, and Jammu—which lie in sensitive zones—are often subject to such operational halts due to their strategic proximity to international borders.
The cancellations come in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 8, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers on April 24, prompting India to ban Pakistani flights from entering Indian airspace from April 30. These developments have triggered disruptions in both civil and military aviation corridors.
To ease passenger inconvenience, IndiGo has announced a waiver on change and cancellation fees for bookings made on or before May 8, 2025, for travel scheduled until May 22, 2025.
Srinagar
Jammu
Amritsar
Leh
Chandigarh
Dharamshala
Bikaner
Jodhpur
Kishangarh
Rajkot
The airline published the update on its social media platform X, using the hashtag #6EUpdate, signaling temporary flexibility in light of recent disruptions.
Passengers holding tickets on the impacted routes are urged to:
Check SMS and email notifications for any flight updates
Log in to the IndiGo website or app to modify or cancel bookings
Reach out to IndiGo customer care for rebooking assistance or alternative routes
Avoid unnecessary travel to airports, especially if no confirmation is received
The airline has assured full customer support to help manage the unexpected changes in travel plans.
IndiGo’s decision to suspend flights to 10 key northern Indian cities until May 10 underscores the airline's response to emerging regional tensions and evolving airspace restrictions. With the ongoing fallout from India’s Operation Sindoor and reciprocal airspace bans between India and Pakistan, such measures are likely taken as a preventive strategy to ensure passenger and national security.
While this may inconvenience many domestic flyers, the airline has proactively offered change and cancellation fee waivers for bookings made before May 8. IndiGo's advisory to check updates digitally and avoid airport visits reflects a responsible and organized approach during this unpredictable phase.
For travelers, staying informed and flexible remains crucial. As the situation develops, coordination between aviation authorities, airlines, and passengers will be key in minimizing disruption and ensuring safe travel across India’s skies.