Flight Operations Hampered Post-operation Sindoor
Flight operations were disrupted as many flights were cancelled due to an airstrike in Pakistan. Airlines serve a travel advisory for passengers who have booked tickets
Air strikes across Pakistan have hindered the flight operations in Jammu and Srinagar. It is noted that heavy shelling has also started, for which the airspace above Jammu and Kashmir has been closed. This was acted as a precaution as a result of the retaliation shelling on Pakistan and the air strikes on the launch pad of terror base camps of Pakistan.
Flight operations in Jaipur, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, and Dharamshala are disrupted massively because of the airstrikes, and defence officials assume that these airports might be at risk and can be risky for travellers. Various airlines have issued their advisory and claimed to check their flight details before leaving home.
The travel advisories also confirm that certain flights and airports are shut till noon. Popular airline, Indigo, claimed that all flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Dharamshala are currently closed because of a change in the airspace. The airline has also initiated refunds for the passenger whose flights were cancelled because of the changing airspace conditions.
Other airlines such as Spicejet and Air India Express also showed concerns regarding the flight cancellations from the cities, citing preventive measures. Around 25 flights are operated by Indigo in the above regions, 25 flights from Air India and around 15 flights by Spicejet, which have entirely stopped operations till midday. Indigo is the major sufferer as it has cancelled more than 160 flights in the region.
Airport Authority of India has issued a NOTAM, which stands for Notice to Airmen, regarding the exercise by the Indian Air Force in Rajasthan and other nearby areas. However, the intention of the Air Force practice has not yet been disclosed and might impact the schedules of the flights, leading to more cancellations.
Amid the war-like conditions, the Indian army has shifted many people from the border places as the tension increases and the shelling has increased, which can further risk the lives of the people dwelling near the border. Indian Army, Indian Airforce and Indian Navy are working throughout to ensure the safety of the nation. The shutdown of the airspace temporarily ensured greater safety for the civilians.
As per recent information, flight operations have resumed, and currently, the airspace is clear. However, the Indian Air Force is vigilant and monitoring the situation frequently to avoid any threat. Different squadrons are on alert and will act on an emerging threat. Every force is on standby and will be called in during the hour of need.
