India-Pakistan ceasefire: Govt lifts NOTAMs for 32 airports across India; Chandigarh, Amritsar airports reopen amid tight security
PTC Web Desk: Following the India-Pakistan ceasefire, the Central Government has lifted Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for 32 airports across the country, allowing the resumption of civilian flight operations. Key airports such as Chandigarh and Amritsar have reopened, bringing relief to travellers after days of disruption.
IndiGo Airlines announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it would resume services progressively, adhering to official directives. Passengers are advised to check real-time flight updates directly with their airlines and monitor carrier websites for route-specific resumptions.
Airports now cleared for normal civil aviation operations are Adampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai. The temporary suspension had disrupted both civilian and commercial flight services, resulting in over 500 flight cancellations. Airlines responded by offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling options to affected passengers.
In parallel, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented enhanced security protocols nationwide, in light of persistent threats following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. These new guidelines, effective immediately and in place through May 18, include mandatory Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC) at all airports, a blanket ban on visitor entry into terminals, random and priority-based deployment of Air Marshals, 24/7 operational mandates for CCTV systems, and an expanded role for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
CISF personnel will now oversee cargo screening and In-Line Hold Baggage Screening Systems (ILHBSS) at 69 civil airports, in addition to their current duties of passenger frisking and cabin baggage checks.
An official advisory from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the reopening, stating, "Reference notice issued for temporary closure of 32 Airports for civil aircraft operations till 05:29 hrs of 15 May 2025. It is informed that these Airports are now available for civil Aircraft operations with immediate effect."
- PTC NEWS
