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​Amid rising hostilities between India and Pakistan, the government has temporarily shut down at least 24 airports located near the border. This follows a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan targeting Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, which were successfully intercepted by Indian defence systems.

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the closure is a precautionary measure after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. With security at its highest level, airlines including Akasa, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have advised passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours in advance and carry valid ID proof.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also enhanced airport surveillance, suspended visitor entry, and mandated additional baggage checks. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled nationwide as a result of the elevated alert.

Airlines issue alerts as security tightens

Leading Indian carriers including Akasa Air, IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued urgent advisories requesting flyers to:

Arrive at least 3 hours before departure

Carry valid government-approved ID

Limit cabin baggage to 1 piece (up to 7 kg)

Undergo additional security checks at the boarding gate

These measures come in response to heightened threats and the secondary ladder point checking (SLPC) protocol now made mandatory by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended civilian operations at 24 airports across Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat:

List of affected airports:

Chandigarh

Srinagar

Amritsar

Ludhiana

Bhunter 

Kishengarh

Patiala 

Shimla

Kangra-Gaggal

Bhatinda

Jaisalmer

Jodhpur

Bikaner 

Halwara

Pathankot

Jammu

Leh

Mundra

Jamnagar

Hirasar (Rajkot)

Porbandar 

Keshod

Kandla

Bhuj

These closures follow Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks that targeted civilian and military locations in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, prompting complete blackouts in border towns like Jammu.

The Indian military launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the April terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, including pilgrims. The multi-agency response includes:

Strikes on terror hubs across LoC

Enhanced security at all civil aviation installations

Deployment of in-flight security officers

Ban on terminal visitor entry

With the Indian Air Force on high alert and local administrations maintaining curfews in sensitive zones, the country is rallying behind its armed forces. Former J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid summed up the mood on X: “Fret not — Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are our valiant armed forces.”

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