Flight Operations Resume at Jammu and Srinagar Airports After Temporary Suspension Amid Security Concerns

Published On: May 15, 2025

Flight operations have resumed smoothly at both Srinagar and Jammu airports after a temporary suspension triggered by drone sightings and military tensions along the India-Pakistan border. While the Jammu airspace reopened for civil aviation, only four out of the six scheduled flights managed to operate due to lingering security restrictions, especially in the Samba region.

Limited Flight Movements in Jammu Due to Drone Activity

Despite the resumption of air traffic, the Jammu airspace was once again closed late last night after drones were spotted hovering in the Samba district, raising fresh security concerns. As a result, only four Air India Express flights operated, while IndiGo suspended all its scheduled services for the day.

According to Jammu Airport Director Sanjeev Kumar Garg, the flights that did operate included:

Delhi to Jammu
Jammu to Srinagar
Srinagar to Jammu
Jammu to Delhi

Garg confirmed that Jammu Airport is currently fully functional for civil flights. Air India Express has scheduled four flights for the next day, while IndiGo is expected to operate two flights, provided there are no further disruptions.

Background: Flight Suspension Due to India-Pakistan Tensions

On May 7, the Airport Authority of India had announced a temporary closure of 32 airports, including Jammu and Srinagar, following escalating military tensions with Pakistan. However, flight services were gradually restored after the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was withdrawn, signaling a return to normalcy.

On May 13, IndiGo Airlines operated a flight between Jammu and Delhi, marking the resumption of operations. However, the airspace was closed again later that night due to the sighting of unidentified drones, prompting IndiGo to cancel its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Leh, and Rajkot for May 13, 2025.

Smooth Operations at Srinagar Airport Resume After a Week

Operations at Srinagar International Airport also resumed today after a week-long halt. With the airspace cleared and NOTAM withdrawn, Air India’s flight from New Delhi was the first to land at the airport.

According to officials, Srinagar Airport witnessed:

Four arrivals
Four departures
935 passengers handled throughout the day

This marks a significant step toward normalization, especially as IndiGo and SpiceJet announced the restoration of scheduled flights from May 14, including services to Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot.

Passengers Advised to Monitor Flight Status

With flight schedules fluctuating due to sudden airspace closures, passengers traveling via Jammu and Srinagar airports have been strongly advised to check flight statuses directly with airlines and stay updated through official websites and apps.

Airlines are actively coordinating to restore operations in a phased manner and ensure minimal disruption to passenger plans.

Hajj Flights to Resume from Srinagar from May 14

In another positive development, Hajj flights from Srinagar International Airport are set to resume on May 14. The Jammu & Kashmir Hajj Committee has released the schedule for two departing flights, SG-5114 and SG-5214, which will carry 321 pilgrims from different districts of J&K.

Pilgrims are advised to report at Hajj House Bemina at the following times:

SG-5114: Between 6:00 am and 6:30 am
SG-5214: Between 9:00 am and 9:30 am

This announcement brings relief to the Hajj aspirants, who faced uncertainty due to the earlier suspension of air services.

Mata Vaishno Devi Helicopter Services Resumed

In addition to the reopening of airports, helicopter services to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district also resumed today. The services had been suspended for the past week due to the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

An official from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed the resumption of helicopter and battery car services, noting that pilgrim turnout has started to increase after a noticeable decline earlier this month.

So far this year, over 30 lakh devotees have visited the sacred shrine. Last year, the number stood at 94.84 lakh, and officials remain optimistic that footfall will grow substantially as conditions stabilize.

Gradual Return to Normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Airspace

The resumption of civil aviation activities, including commercial and religious travel, marks a positive turn for tourism, pilgrimage, and regional connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. However, authorities remain vigilant, with drone sightings continuing to pose a serious security threat.

Flight operations will continue to be monitored closely, and any emergent situation may result in sudden changes to the flight schedule. Passengers are urged to remain flexible and informed as the situation evolves.

The reopening of Jammu and Srinagar airports, along with the restart of Vaishno Devi helicopter services and Hajj flights, underscores a return to normalcy in the Union Territory after a turbulent week. While drone threats and geopolitical tensions persist, the authorities are working diligently to ensure safety and restore public confidence in air travel.

Travelers are encouraged to follow official airline advisories, remain alert for real-time updates, and plan accordingly. With civil flights back on track, Jammu and Kashmir is once again welcoming pilgrims, tourists, and passengers through its skies.