India Grounds Flights at 24 Airports Amid Escalating Tensions with Pakistan
India has suspended civilian flights at 24 airports in the northern region of the country, as escalating cross-border clashes with Pakistan raise fears of a broader conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals.
The move follows India’s airstrikes on Wednesday, which targeted what New Delhi described as “terrorist camps” inside Pakistani territory—marking one of the most serious flare-ups between the two nations in decades. The strikes have so far resulted in the deaths of nearly 50 people, most of them in Pakistan.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, in a notice issued late Thursday, listed airports in border cities such as Jodhpur, Ludhiana, and Amritsar among those closed to civilian traffic, in response to heightened security concerns.
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Major carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have cancelled more than 100 flights since the escalation began. Passengers across the country have been advised to arrive at least three hours before scheduled departure times due to increased airport security protocols.
Indian media reported that the flight restrictions may be lifted as early as Saturday morning, but no official confirmation has been issued.
The conflict was triggered two weeks after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India accuses Pakistan of orchestrating—a claim Islamabad denies. Since then, both countries have exchanged missile and drone strikes, as well as artillery fire, across the contested Kashmir border.
The spiraling violence has stoked international concerns over a potential regional war, with observers urging both nations to exercise restraint and resume dialogue.
Source: AFP
