Operation Sindoor Fallout Sparks Massive Flight Disruptions Between UAE and South Asia

May 8, 2025 | Dubai/New Delhi – The aftermath of India’s latest counterterrorism action, dubbed Operation Sindoor, has sent shockwaves through the aviation corridors linking South Asia and the Middle East, as escalating tensions with Pakistan trigger Major Flight Delays, widespread airspace disruptions, and airport closures.

Indian civil aviation has been hit hard, with airlines halting operations to and from several northern cities. The Srinagar airport has been shut down entirely for civilian flights due to heightened security concerns, causing cascading delays and cancellations throughout the region.

Major Indian Airlines Issue Emergency Travel Advisories

Airlines including Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have issued urgent advisories, urging passengers to stay updated on flight statuses as volatile conditions continue to affect operations.

• IndiGo flagged significant disruptions on routes serving Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala, citing dynamic airspace closures and urging passengers to check their flight status online.

• SpiceJet confirmed the indefinite suspension of services to several northern destinations, including Amritsar and Srinagar. The airline warned passengers of broader ripple effects on other flight sectors.

• Akasa Air joined others in cancelling Srinagar-bound flights, also highlighting delays at major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow amid simultaneous runway maintenance.

• Air India took a more comprehensive step, suspending flights to and from a wide array of northern cities—Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Rajkot, Bhuj, and others—until at least May 10 at 0529 IST, in line with official aviation directives.

Airspace Turmoil Reaches Gulf Airports

The effects of the escalating situation have extended far beyond India’s borders. Key airports in the United Arab Emirates—Dubai International and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International—saw a wave of flight delays and sudden cancellations, particularly on northbound routes to India.

• Emirates, flydubai, and other regional carriers are now adjusting operations, rerouting or grounding flights impacted by restricted airspace.

• Qatar Airways announced a temporary halt of its flights to Pakistan, pointing to escalating security risks, and indicated it is closely monitoring further developments.

Meanwhile, European and international carriers including Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Swiss are actively rerouting around Pakistani airspace, disrupting east-west aviation corridors and forcing extended flight durations.

Behind Operation Sindoor: A Calculated Strike Amid Rising Tensions

India’s pre-dawn military maneuver, Operation Sindoor, was reportedly aimed at neutralizing terror bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strike comes in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed multiple civilian lives.

Impact on Travel, Trade, and International Tourism

The current airspace disruptions are expected to persist in the coming days, affecting both passenger travel and freight logistics. Industry experts are warning of:

• Extended flight times due to detours around closed airspaces

• Higher fuel costs and insurance premiums

• Temporary suspension of high-demand cargo lanes

• Increased burden on travel and freight coordinators

Tour operators like Farepayer Travels, known for their international tour package offerings, are advising clients to rebook flexible itineraries and stay informed about the evolving travel situation. With global travelers caught in this geopolitical turbulence, the demand for secure, well-managed international tour options is growing rapidly.

What Should Passengers Do Now?

With the situation still developing, travelers are encouraged to:

• Check flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport

• Remain flexible with travel plans and consider alternative routes

• Keep emergency contacts and travel insurance details ready

• Contact providers like Farepayer Travels for updated itineraries and assistance with disrupted international tour package plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is a recent military operation by India targeting suspected terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

2. Why are flights being cancelled or rerouted?
Airspace restrictions, airport closures, and rising geopolitical tensions have made it unsafe or impractical for airlines to operate on several key routes, especially in North India and Pakistan.

Conclusion

The regional aviation network is undergoing significant disruption as geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan intensify. While safety measures are being prioritized, travelers and trade professionals must remain vigilant and adaptive to rapidly evolving flight Delays. Continued updates from authorities and proactive planning with trusted providers like Farepayer Travels will be crucial in navigating this turbulent period for South Asian and Gulf aviation.