Airports Closed: Chandigarh International Airport is closed until further notice following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan. This precautionary measure has suspended all domestic and international flights, affecting numerous travellers.

Reported by:Poviet KaurEdited by:Avni Arya

Updated May 7, 2025, 14:43 IST

Chandigarh, Amritsar Airports Closed Until Further Notice (representational)

Chandigarh Airport: The Chandigarh International Airport has been shut down until further notice, following India’s bold and coordinated assault, Operation Sindoor, on terror camps in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The closure, announced as a precautionary measure, has led to a complete suspension of both domestic and international flights, impacting hundreds of travellers across the region.

“All Flights Suspended Until Further Notice”

Ajay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL), confirmed the indefinite suspension of operations, “All domestic and international flights will remain suspended until further notice.”The Indian Air Force has now taken full control of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh to ensure military preparedness, amid concerns of possible retaliatory strikes from across the border.

Amritsar Airport Also Closed; 22 Flights Cancelled

Security has also been heightened at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar, which lies just 32 kilometres from the Pakistan border. The airport was initially ordered to remain closed until 10 AM, but the closure has now been extended indefinitely.“All 22 flights scheduled for today from Amritsar have been cancelled,” confirmed ADCP-2 Shrivinaila, adding,

“Orders have been issued to keep the airport closed until further notice. Passengers have been informed about the flight cancellations via messages.”The proximity of Amritsar to Muridke in Pakistan — just 60 km away — where one of the key terror targets was struck during Operation Sindoor, has played a major role in the heightened alert.

Operation Sindoor: What Prompted the Closure?

The airspace restrictions and airport closures follow a massive overnight military offensive, dubbed Operation Sindoor, which saw the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force strike nine terror sites in Pakistan’s Punjab province and PoK. The strikes reportedly killed 80 to 90 terrorists, including 25–30 each in Bahawalpur and Muridke — known strongholds of terror infrastructure.As per reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approved the name Operation Sindoor, underlining the mission’s strategic and political gravity.

Nationwide Vigil: Paramilitary on Alert, Airspace Under Watch

In light of potential retaliatory threats, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is keeping a close watch on Indian airspace. Civil aviation services have also been suspended at border airports in Gujarat, including Bhuj, Porbandar, and Rajkot.Meanwhile, leaves of all paramilitary forces have been cancelled to maintain peak readiness. The situation is being closely monitored at the highest levels, with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan briefing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the South Block in Delhi.Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Chandigarh News, City and around the world.