Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh and Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar resumed flight operations on Monday, May 12, 2025, after a US-mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan de-escalated a volatile conflict that had paralyzed air travel in Punjab. The reopening relieves travelers and businesses affected by the closure of 32 Indian airports during the crisis.
The airports were shut down on May 10 following Pakistan’s aggressive drone and missile attacks, which targeted civilian areas in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, prompting red alerts in Bathinda, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. The ceasefire, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump and involving high-level talks with Indian and Pakistani leaders, restored calm, enabling the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to greenlight operations after rigorous safety checks.
“We are pleased to announce that flight services have resumed at Chandigarh and Amritsar airports as of May 12,” an AAI spokesperson said. “Passengers should verify flight schedules with their airlines and arrive early due to heightened security measures.”
The Indian Air Force and BSF confirmed the airspace is secure, with no active drone threats following the destruction of multiple Pakistani UAVs.
The resumption is a lifeline for Punjab’s economy, particularly for Amritsar’s tourism sector and Chandigarh’s business hub.
