Hajj 2025 Alert: SpiceJet Resumes Flights to Medina as 32 Airports Reopen Amid India-Pakistan Ceasefire

SpiceJet has officially resumed Hajj flights from Srinagar as part of its large-scale Haj 2025 operations, with the first two services to Medina departing on Wednesday, i.e., May 14.

Due to the rising India-Pakistan tension, 32 airports in India were closed for operations, and Srinagar was one of them. Yesterday, The Airports Authority of India (AAI) reopened 32 airports in northern and western India for civil flights, three days after the closure was announced.

"In light of evolving circumstances and dynamic airspace conditions, commercial flight operations were temporarily suspended at 32 Airports until 05:29 hrs of May, 15th 2025. It is pleased to inform that these airports are now fully operational for #CivilAircraft movements with immediate effect. Passengers scheduled to travel via these airports are advised to stay updated by checking #FlightStatus directly with their respective airlines and monitor official airline websites for the latest information." Airports Authority of India informed via X.

Since airports are now open for civilian operation, Hajj flights will now be operational starting today."SpiceJet will resume its Haj 2025 operations from Srinagar, operating two flights to Medina using wide-body Airbus A340 aircraft," the airline stated.

SpiceJet Hajj 2025: 45 Flights in Phase One Across 4 Indian Cities

Earlier this month, SpiceJet flagged off its Haj 2025 operations with the inaugural flight from Gaya to Medina on May 2. The airline in a previous release dated May 2 said that it will operate a total of 45 Haj flights in the first phase, connecting Gaya, Srinagar, Guwahati, and Kolkata to the cities of Medina and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

As per the previous schedule, the flights began from May 2, Gaya to Medina, and Guwahati to Medina: From May 3, Srinagar to Medina: From May 14, Kolkata to Jeddah: From May 16

The first phase of operations will continue until May 29, while the return for Hajj pilgrims is scheduled between June 13 and July 11, 2025, as per spicejet's press release.

SpiceJet announced that it is facilitating travel for approximately 15,500 pilgrims for Hajj 2025, for which the airline has inducted two Airbus A340 wide-body aircraft for long-haul Haj routes and deployed a Boeing 737 (189-seater) on the Gaya-Medina sector.

"It is an honour for SpiceJet to once again play a meaningful role in facilitating the sacred Hajj pilgrimage. Our continued participation reflects our deep commitment to serving communities across the country," said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet.

Srinagar Airport Reopens: Huge Relief for Pilgrims

The resumption of civilian flights at Srinagar airport is definitely a major relief for travellers, especially thousands of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, who were facing uncertainty due to the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Now that airlines are resuming commercial services and special Haj flights, air connectivity to the Kashmir Valley is returning to normal.

However, the AAI has advised passengers to check their flight status directly with airlines and keep monitoring official airline websites for the latest updates on schedules and bookings.

Below is the full list of reopened airports In India

Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar, Jammu, Awantipur, Leh, Thoise

Punjab & Himachal: Amritsar, Pathankot, Bathinda, Adampur, Patiala, Sarsawa, Ludhiana, Kangra (Gaggal), Shimla, Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar)

Rajasthan & Gujarat: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Uttarlai, Naliya, Bhuj, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Jamnagar, Kandla, Mundra, Keshod

Haryana & UP: Ambala, Hindon, Halwara