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Operation Sindoor and its Impact on Indian Airspace
India’s bold response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, known as Operation Sindoor, has sent ripples across the subcontinent — both militarily and logistically. In a strategic overnight operation conducted on May 6, the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted nine major terror camps located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and deep inside Pakistan.
While the mission signaled a clear message of zero tolerance towards terrorism, its collateral impact was felt immediately across India’s aviation sector. Over 200 flights were cancelled, and at least 18 major airports in northern and western India were shut as a precautionary security measure, including Hyderabad Airport, which saw 18 flight cancellations on Monday morning alone.
Airports Closed Temporarily Amid Fears of Retaliation
Airports across Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan went into temporary lockdown. Security agencies feared retaliatory action from Pakistan, prompting this precautionary measure.
In Hyderabad, flight schedules were impacted at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, with several IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express flights either delayed or cancelled.
Airspace Restrictions and International Reaction
In addition to Indian airspace restrictions, Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours, affecting dozens of international flight routes. Carriers such as Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air rerouted their journeys to avoid the region, reflecting the global scale of the disruption caused by the ongoing India & Pakistan tensions.
Airlines issued waivers for re booking and cancellation charges. Air India cancelled flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to cities like Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and Jammu, extending the suspensions until May 10.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Strong Military Message
The Indian military confirmed the success of Operation Sindoor, stating that all targets were “neutralized with precision.” This action came in the wake of the Pahalgam attack update, where 26 civilians, including children, were killed in a brutal terror ambush.
The airstrikes have once again spotlighted the presence of terrorist launch pads in PoJK, many of which were reported to be operating under the protection of Pakistani military infrastructure. These camps were believed to be run by terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Global Calls for Restraint, But India Holds Firm
In response to the rising tensions, United Nations, United States, European Union, and Russia issued statements urging India and Pakistan to de-escalate and return to diplomatic dialogue.
However, Indian officials reiterated that the airstrikes were “pre-emptive and surgical,” carried out after intelligence inputs confirmed imminent threats.
Public Response: Security Over Convenience
Passengers across India, especially those affected by the cancellations, expressed mixed feelings. While many were inconvenienced, there was a prevailing sentiment of support for national security.
“I had a business trip planned to Srinagar, but I fully support the decision if it’s for our safety,” said a passenger at Delhi Airport.
Social media platforms saw an outpouring of patriotism, with hashtags like #OperationSindoor, #PahalgamAttack, and #IndiaStrikesBack trending nationwide.
What’s Next: Vigilance and Preparedness
Authorities have warned of potential follow-up actions and advised citizens to remain calm but vigilant. Surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) has been intensified, and mock drills are being conducted across Delhi and other major cities to ensure emergency preparedness.
The government also hinted at more such operations if intelligence suggests active terror threats in neighboring territories.
Conclusion
India’s Operation Sindoor stands as a sharp reminder of the nation’s resolve against terrorism and its preparedness to act decisively, even at the cost of temporary domestic disruption.
The event, while shaking up travel plans for thousands, has solidified India’s stance globally — that national security cannot be compromised. As India & Pakistan relations remain on edge, the international community watches closely.
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