Are Schools and Airports in India Closed on May 9? India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Amid Missile Threats

Due to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, civilian air traffic across northern India came to a grinding halt after many airports suspended operations on Thursday night. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued the high-alert notice after a series of drone and missile attacks from Pakistan which mainly targeted the Jammu region, as well as parts of Punjab and Rajasthan.

This Operation Sindoor is a high-level counter-terror offensive launched by the Indian Armed Forces against terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation is a direct retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives last month.

Civilian Flights Suspended Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

The government's urgent aviation directive has caused major flight disruptions, halting operations at key airports in India, including Srinagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu, and Leh. As a result, IndiGo Airlines cancelled over 160 domestic flights, according to sources. Travelers checking Air India flight status and Flightradar reported heavy delays and cancellations. While Delhi Airport remains on high alert. Though not officially shut, flight operations at the capital's airport are heavily impacted.

Meanwhile, concerns also rose about Mumbai Airport, Ahmedabad Airport, and Pune Airport, with flyers actively tracking updates through Air India advisories and airport websites. While Karachi Airport and Pakistan airspace are being monitored internationally, the situation remains tense on both sides.

According to top defence sources, India successfully intercepted multiple missiles aimed at various civilian targets in Jammu late Thursday. Eyewitness accounts describe a complete blackout across the city, accompanied by loud explosions and visible missile trails in the night sky.

Here is the List of Airports Closed Due to the India-Pakistan Conflict

Here is the full list of airports in North India that have suspended civil aviation operations until further notice: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhunter, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bhatinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara,t, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj

Enhanced Security at All Airports

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has tightened security measures across the country's aviation areas. No visitors are allowed in the airport premises, and this is a cancellation of visitor tickets, and rampant scanning of baggage is being done during the boarding process if the airlines are operational.

Authorities have also instructed all airports to ensure 100% functionality of CCTV surveillance systems and to deploy in-flight security officers based on a randomised, prioritised model to prevent any possible mid-air threats.

"There is adequate security at the airport. Only airport personnel are allowed inside. Police are continuously patrolling. The villagers have been made aware of protocols to be followed." Said Yadwinder Singh, ACP Airport, Amritsar, who was quoted by ANI.

Schools Remain Shut Across Several Parts of North India

A majority of schools in northern India, including those in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Delhi, will remain closed on May 9 and 10 due to the escalating India-Pakistan tensions. The precautionary closure comes amid heightened security concerns following missile threats and military action under Operation Sindoor.