Date: May 10, 2025 In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces have successfully repelled multiple drone attacks launched from Pakistan under the ongoing military initiative, Operation Sindoor. As a precautionary measure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the temporary suspension of civilian flight operations at 32 airports across northern and western India until May 15.
The DGCA’s decision affects major airports including Srinagar, Amritsar, and Jaipur, leading to widespread flight cancellations and disruptions in air travel. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have adjusted their schedules accordingly, while international carriers are rerouting flights to avoid the affected airspace. The drone attacks targeted several regions, with incidents reported in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. In Punjab’s Ferozepur district, a Pakistani drone strike injured three civilians, prompting heightened security measures and blackouts in vulnerable areas. Operation Sindoor was initiated by India following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, utilizing Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and Hammer bombs. Notably, Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander and mastermind behind the IC-814 hijacking, was reportedly killed in Bahawalpur during these operations. The situation remains fluid, with both nations exchanging artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC). International bodies, including the United Nations, have urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and follow official advisories.