Srinagar airport reopens for civil flights after days of suspension

May 13, 2025 by News Desk

The Srinagar Airport has officially resumed civil operations following the easing of hostilities between India and Pakistan. The reopening comes after a tense period of airspace restrictions and marks a significant step toward restoring normalcy in the region.

The decision follows a calm night along the Line of Control (LoC) on May 11–12, the first in days after intense retaliation by Pakistan in response to Operation Sindoor.

Earlier, in the wake of escalating tensions, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) temporarily suspending civil flights at 32 airports across northern and western India, including Srinagar. These restrictions were scheduled to remain in effect from May 9 to May 14 (until 0529 IST on May 15, 2025).

However, with the security situation gradually stabilising, AAI lifted the flight suspension early on May 12, allowing airports to prepare for the resumption of regular operations.

For the Kashmir Valley, the reopening of Srinagar Airport is not just a logistical development—it is a lifeline for locals. A local said, “It’s good to see flights landing again,” said a local taxi driver at the Srinagar terminal. “The last few days were very tough for us.”