Security Scare Grounds Flights: Air India, IndiGo Suspend Services to Multiple Destinations

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): IndiGo and Air India have suspended flight operations to multiple cities in northern and western India for May 13, following airspace restrictions and heightened security measures due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. IndiGo cancelled all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until midnight on Saturday. The airline stated it is monitoring the situation closely and regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers.

Air India also cancelled its two-way flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. The airline said it made the decision keeping passenger safety as top priority and is assessing when normal operations can resume.

On Monday evening, an IndiGo flight bound for Amritsar returned to Delhi after blackout protocols were initiated in Amritsar due to security concerns. These flight cancellations follow reports of drone sightings in sensitive areas including Samba, Akhnoor, Jaisalmer, and Kathua. However, Indian Army sources have confirmed that no recent drone intrusions have been detected and that the ceasefire is still in place.

Although the Airports Authority of India has reopened affected airports, airlines are proceeding cautiously. Air India announced it is preparing to gradually restore services across affected destinations and requested passengers to remain updated through official communication channels. Meanwhile, Indian air defence systems were activated after Pakistani drones were intercepted in the Samba sector. Visuals of red streaks and explosions were seen in the sky during the night as the Army responded to limited drone activity, which officials clarified poses no immediate threat.