Gujarat Airports Closed After Air Strike on Pakistan; Over 3,200 Flyers Affected

AHMEDABAD/RAJKOT – Tensions soared across Gujarat on Wednesday as India conducted a precision air strike on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan, triggering an immediate security clampdown across the border state. Authorities swiftly shut down multiple airports, including the newly built Rajkot International Airport, and issued high alert advisories for coastal and border regions.

In a rapid response to national security protocols, all flights to and from Rajkot, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Kandla have been suspended until further notice. Ahmedabad Airport has cancelled all domestic flights bound for these cities. “This is a matter of national security. The suspension is temporary but critical,” said an airport official on condition of anonymity.

Flights Cancelled, Thousands Stranded

The closure has left over 3,200 air passengers stranded just in Rajkot alone, with 11 flights from Air India and IndiGo cancelled today. “I was scheduled to attend a business meeting in Mumbai. This sudden cancellation has not only disrupted my plans but created panic,” said Nilesh Patel, a businessman from Rajkot.

Air India, issuing a public statement on X (formerly Twitter), said:“Following the closure notification of these airports by authorities, Air India is cancelling flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot till 5:29 PM on May 10. Customers will be offered free rescheduling or full refunds.”

SpiceJet and IndiGo also confirmed indefinite cancellations on routes connecting to Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala, and Amritsar. IndiGo stated,“Due to changing airspace conditions, our services to and from northern destinations remain suspended until further updates.”

Airspace Advisory Issued in Gujarat

Ahmedabad Airport released a public advisory warning passengers:“Airspace restrictions and closures may impact flight schedules. Kindly confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport.”

While Vadodara Airport has not reported cancellations yet, flights arriving from Delhi and Mumbai were delayed by 20 minutes to an hour. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” said airport manager Manish Rawal.

Border and Coastal Surveillance Intensified

Meanwhile, the Jamnagar coastal region has seen heavy deployment of SOG Marine Police and Task Force Commandos. Armed patrols, high-speed boats, and drone surveillance are now active in vulnerable maritime zones.

Speaking to media, Bhuj Airport Authority spokesperson Jyotish Singh confirmed the halt of all eight daily flights. “Four departing and four arriving flights, including routes to Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, are cancelled today,” he said.

Gujarat on High Alert

Gujarat shares a sensitive border with Pakistan through Kutch, and authorities have begun heightened checking near the Indo-Pak border. Surveillance along highways, rail stations, and rural routes has also been stepped up.

“The atmosphere is tense, but under control. We’re prioritizing the safety of civilians,” said a senior Border Security Force (BSF) official deployed near the Bhuj sector.