Aftermath of Operation Sindhoor: Flights Suspended & Travel Plans Cancelled!

As the shock of the Pahalgam massacre continues to ripple across India, the country’s summer travel landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift. Rising military tensions between India and Pakistan have prompted a surge in trip cancellations, especially to northern and border regions.

Travel agencies are reporting significant drops in bookings to Kashmir, North East India, and other sensitive zones, with safety becoming the top concern for holidaymakers. In response, the Indian government has issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to avoid visiting border states amid the ongoing unrest.

Air travel restrictions in response to Operation Sindoor

A total of 32 airports, including Bhuj, Rajkot, Amritsar, Jammu, and Srinagar, were temporarily shut down for civilian operations. These closures followed security alerts as tensions escalated across the border.

Civilian airspace was only reopened after a U.S.-mediated ceasefire brought a fragile calm. IndiGo and Air India have resumed operations on select routes, but passengers continue to experience delays and rescheduling issues. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses regularly.

Also read: Travel Alert: India Closes 27 Airports Amid Border Tensions

Train Travel Disruptions

Rail connectivity also took a hit, with over 24 trains cancelled or rerouted, particularly in Punjab and Jammu. Some of the key services impacted include:

• Amritsar–Chandigarh Express

• Jalandhar–Delhi Intercity

• Amritsar–Haridwar Jan Shatabdi

These trains have since resumed. However, the Lalkuan–Amritsar Express remains cancelled on May 13, and its return route is also suspended on May 14. Meanwhile, previously cancelled routes like Fazilka–Bathinda, Bathinda–Kotkapura, and vice versa are now operational.

Booking Refunds & Cancellations

With safety concerns mounting, travel platforms and agencies are providing full refunds or vouchers for affected trips.

IRCTC has waived cancellation fees for train bookings disrupted by the unrest. Leading portals like MakeMyTrip and Yatra have activated their “Force Majeure” policies, offering refund flexibility for both flights and travel packages.

Impact on Summer Travel Plans

As safety becomes a top priority, travelers are avoiding high-alert zones like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Tawang, leading to mass cancellations. Instead, families and tour groups are shifting focus to safer hill stations such as: Manali,Ooty,Coorg,Munnar There’s also a spike in demand for destinations in South and Central India, with Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra topping the new summer bucket list.