As the India-Pakistan tensions rise in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, almost 600 flights have been grounded across the country, gravely affecting air travel. As per Flightradar24, India has witnessed 430 flight cancellations alone, impacting domestic and international flights.
The surprise cancellations are due to increased military action, diverted airspaces, and beefed-up no-fly zones in areas along sensitive borders. Civil aviation officials have issued several notices asking people to verify with the airlines before traveling, with Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar facing major delays.
Airlines have gone into overtime to rebook stranded passengers at no cost, as well as give refunds. But the ripple effect has been felt in cargo and tourism sectors too, as logistics chains are being delayed and tourist destinations saw a wave of bulk cancellations of hotel bookings.
With diplomatic negotiations still being continued, authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has informed that flight operations will only resume after security clearance, highlighting how air travel tends to be the first casualty in geopolitical hotspots.
