India has halted civilian flights at 24 airports in the north due to ongoing conflicts with its nuclear-armed neighbor, Pakistan. Since India initiated airstrikes on Wednesday aimed at "terrorist camps," nearly 50 people have lost their lives, primarily in Pakistan, marking the most severe clashes between the two countries in decades.
Late Thursday, the Indian government announced the closure of 24 airports for civilian flights, including those in Jodhpur, Ludhiana, and Amritsar, which are located near the western border with Pakistan. Major airlines in India, such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have canceled more than 100 flights since Wednesday. Local media suggest that the suspension of civilian flights could be lifted by Saturday morning.
Indian airlines have issued advisories for passengers departing from various airports, recommending that they arrive at least three hours prior to their flight. This guidance follows a government notification regarding increased security measures. The strikes on Wednesday occurred two weeks after New Delhi accused Islamabad of supporting an attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of disputed Kashmir, a claim that Pakistan has denied.
The two archrivals have exchanged drones, missiles, and artillery fire along their disputed border in Kashmir. This escalation of violence has heightened concerns about a potential broader conflict between the neighboring countries.
