Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted air travel, particularly affecting routes between Delhi and Mumbai. Airlines are modifying flight paths and dealing with the temporary closure of several airports, causing disruptions for passengers.

Flight Rerouting and Airport Closures

Airlines have been instructed to avoid specific existing flight routes between Delhi and Mumbai, a primary domestic air travel corridor. These routes are being redirected until May 14 due to the heightened tensions. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has temporarily shut down 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) until May 15. This has led airlines and flight operators to seek alternate routes.

As a result of the India-Pakistan military standoff, 32 airports across northern and western India, including Srinagar and Amritsar, have been closed to civilian flight operations until May 15. These closures have a significant impact on flights operating between northern India and the west, forcing almost all airlines to reroute traffic via the Mumbai sector. This shift is creating congestion, especially around Mumbai.

Impact on Flight Operations

The disruptions have caused an 11% drop in daily domestic flights, from 3,265 in April to 2,907 as of May 8, 2025. FlightRadar24 indicates that 670 routes are affected across these airports through May 10. Delays are plaguing arrivals and departures at major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with departures facing a greater impact. Some airlines, including IndiGo, have announced the cancellation of flight operations to several cities across northern and western India. These cancellations are affecting services to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot.

Enhanced Security Measures

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has mandated enhanced security measures, requiring check-in closures 75 minutes before departure, further complicating operations. Heightened security is in effect at all Indian airports, including operational hubs like Delhi. Passengers are advised to arrive at airports three hours in advance due to strict security protocols and potential for longer wait times.

International Flights

While domestic routes are heavily affected, international air traffic remains relatively stable. However, Pakistan's airspace closure to Indian carriers forces rerouting over the Arabian Sea, adding 2-2.5 hours to flights from Delhi to Europe and North America. Despite these challenges, international operations face minimal cancellations compared to domestic routes.

Airline and Airport Advisories

Airlines and airports have issued advisories to passengers. Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have asked passengers to report to airports three hours in advance. Delhi and Mumbai airports have also released statements regarding potential impacts on flight schedules and security processing times.

Strategic Responses

Airlines are adapting by prioritizing operational hubs and offering passenger support. Indian carriers have repositioned aircraft and crew from the affected airports, with aircraft being ferried out without passengers and ground staff moved via rail to major cities like Delhi.