Delhi flights cancelled as regional tensions cause major disruption

Key Takeaways

• Over 130 flights were cancelled at Delhi airport on May 9, 2025 due to India-Pakistan tensions.
• Shutdown of up to 27 airports led to major delays, disrupted connections, and impacted international students and immigrants.
• Airlines provided waivers for affected passengers, while authorities urged use of official channels for travel updates.

Delhi has found itself at the center of a fast-moving and stressful situation because of new regional tensions between India 🇮🇳 and Pakistan 🇵🇰. On May 9, 2025, more than 130 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), with many passengers affected both inside India and around the world. While normal operations are slowly coming back, it’s clear that the events of these days will be remembered by millions—especially those who rely on air travel into and out of Delhi—not just because of missed flights, but because of the deep worries these cancellations have caused.

Fast Unfolding Events and Key Reasons

The spread of cancelled flights began suddenly on Friday, May 9. In less than a day, at least 138 flights were called off from the schedule at Delhi’s airport, including 66 domestic departures, 63 domestic arrivals, 5 international departures, and 4 international arrivals. While some airports handle the majority of local travel rather quietly, Delhi is India’s busiest hub and a key connecting point for millions of travelers, students, families, businesses, and immigrants.

What caused such a large ripple in air travel? The direct answer points to military actions and the long-standing regional tensions between India 🇮🇳 and Pakistan 🇵🇰. According to government reports and several airlines, Indian armed forces launched what they called Operation Sindoor, a set of strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These actions were a response to a deadly attack on Indian soil, specifically in Pahalgam about a month earlier.

Soon, Pakistan responded with drone and missile strikes of its own, aiming at Indian military targets in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. Thankfully, officials said those attacks were stopped and did not cause injuries, but the risk forced the government to take strict measures.

One such step was the closure of at least 24 to 27 airports across northern, western, and central India 🇮🇳. Areas like Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar are well known to travelers, but for many, the biggest impact was seen at Delhi itself. Because Delhi’s airport is a central point connecting smaller cities, these shutdowns caused a major domino effect throughout the region and beyond.

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

For anyone planning a trip through Delhi, the news meant long lines, confusion, and tough choices. Most flights—domestic and international—suddenly disappeared from departure and arrival boards. Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, quickly released alerts warning passengers that problems would continue at Delhi as well as at other northern airports.

Not only did flights get cancelled, but even those flights still running faced extra delays. On average, planes leaving Delhi on May 9 were running about 18 minutes later than planned, as reported by VisaVerge.com. While 18 minutes may seem small, many travelers missed connecting flights in other countries or lost precious hours for business meetings, school starts, or family events.

To help, airlines began offering special waivers. These waivers allow passengers to change their travel dates without extra costs, or, in some cases, apply for refunds. This has been a small relief for those stranded by the ongoing situation, though not every plan can be saved by a simple rebooking.

Permanent Tension and Temporary Solutions

Even after hundreds of flights were cancelled, Indira Gandhi International Airport did not shut down completely. This is important to know. All four runways continued to handle scheduled flights when possible. But the airspace around Delhi continued to shift as military and civil aviation authorities updated their guidelines hour by hour.

Security at the airport also became much more strict. Passengers heading to Delhi’s airport on these days had to undergo longer security checks and allow extra time for all airport steps. Authorities recommended arriving at least three hours before a flight—something anyone who has flown through Delhi knows can still feel rushed, especially at busy times.

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) warned all travelers not to believe rumors or share information before checking with official sources. There were worries about fake messages or confusion making things worse, especially given the tense regional situation and large crowds at the terminals.

Snapshots from Passengers and Airport Staff

For those stuck at the airport or watching the news from afar, the mood was tense and full of uncertainty. Many international students, who depend on flights for their studies in and out of India 🇮🇳, worried about missing university deadlines or losing non-refundable deposits. Families were split across countries, unable to reunite on time. Some travelers with urgent visas for work abroad found themselves in a bind, unsure whether to wait at the airport or head home and hope for a reschedule.

DIAL released a message saying, “Delhi airport operations remain normal. However…some flight schedules and security processing timings may be impacted.” In real terms, this meant that while the airport as a whole was not closed, the experience for every traveler became far more uncertain.

Airport and security staff, too, faced extra stress. With longer lines and many more questions from anxious passengers, they found it tough to keep everyone calm while following updated safety rules.

The Bigger Picture—Why This Matters for Immigration

The impact of these events goes much deeper than just a few missed flights or delays. For immigrants, visiting workers, and international students, regional tensions and sudden closures are more than annoying—they can disrupt lives and dreams. When flights from Delhi are cancelled in large numbers, the whole process of entering and leaving India 🇮🇳 comes under stress.

For example:

• Students coming for the academic year may be delayed in joining classes, risking visa complications.
• Families relying on flights to reunite for weddings, funerals, or religious events face long waits and emotional strain.
• Professional migrants may lose job offers abroad if they cannot make it to interviews or start dates on time.
• Businesses depending on the steady movement of workers—including many outsourced IT, healthcare, and engineering roles—can see their plans suddenly fall apart.
• Overseas visitors trying to reach nearby countries might find they have no clear way to travel quickly, disrupting both personal and business commitments.

When Delhi faces flights cancelled because of regional tensions, the ripple effects move quickly through the entire immigration and global travel system.

Advice for Passengers and Immigrants

With the situation still developing, DIAL and the Ministry of Civil Aviation continue to urge passengers to check the latest updates on the official Delhi Airport website and with their airlines before making travel plans. For those with urgent travel needs, such as close visa deadlines or immigration appointments, this advice becomes even more important:

• If possible, keep copies of all communication from airlines regarding cancelled flights. This may help if you need to rebook or file a claim later.
• Allow for extra time at the airport for security and check-in, which may be slower than normal.
• Use direct airline channels—official apps or websites—to find the most up-to-date flight information.

For people applying for visas or already holding travel permits, it’s critical to watch for new announcements from Indian immigration authorities or embassies. Some documents, like student and work visas, may allow a brief grace period if travel disruption can be proven; others may not. It’s wise to check requirements ahead of time and keep documents in order.

The Role of Regional Security and Politics

So why do air travel and immigration face such big problems during times like this? Regional tensions, especially armed actions between neighbors, force countries to close their airspace as a safety measure. This is not unique to India 🇮🇳, but because Delhi is such a major city, any closure there impacts a huge number of international and domestic travelers at once.

When military actions are happening, the risk to planes increases greatly—even a small chance of danger often makes it safer for authorities to close airports, causing delays and cancellations. Because immigration, business, and study often depend on fixed travel dates, the consequences can reach far beyond a day or two of delays.

What’s Next? The Outlook for Air Travel

There is some good news. By late Friday, some flights were starting to operate again, and there was no full shutdown at Delhi’s main airport. Still, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that closures at other affected airports would remain in place at least until May 10. The tense situation on the border means that all these steps might be extended if things worsen or change suddenly.

For those planning travel through Delhi or nearby hubs, the smartest thing is to stay alert for new updates and listen to both airline and official government messages. It’s also wise not to trust rumors, social media forwards, or unofficial groups, as these can quickly spread wrong information, especially in emotional times.

Lessons from Past Disruptions and Regional Tensions

This is not the first time Delhi has seen flights cancelled or schedules thrown into confusion due to regional tensions. Over the years, events like this have served as a reminder of how tightly travel, immigration, and even everyday life are linked to politics and security in this part of the world.

Each time, both the government and airlines learn new lessons about how to warn travelers faster, how to set up waivers or flexible travel options, and how to keep crowds under control during tense days. For immigrants—who may be new to the rules and systems in India 🇮🇳—these disruptions are a tough but important reminder to always have backup plans and to keep in close touch with both official channels and community networks.

Summary Table: Impact Overview

Here is a snapshot of flight cancellation statistics as of May 9:

Moving Forward: Steps for Safer, Smoother Travel

Looking ahead, travelers and immigrants alike should remember several steps to stay safe and avoid extra stress during times like these:

• Check official sources, like the Civil Aviation Ministry portal and your airline’s direct website, before each trip.
• Arrive early and pack lightly, since new security rules can change without much warning.
• If you are an immigrant, international student, or work visa holder, keep proof of missed flights and communication so that you can explain delays to schools or employers if needed.
• Be patient and respectful to staff at airports, as they are facing the same pressures and often have limited control over delays during security situations.

Delhi’s place as a top travel hub means that, anytime regional tensions flare, the whole world feels the effects—even if only for a few days. The hope is that flights will continue to normalize quickly, but it’s wise to plan for possible ongoing delays, cancellations, and changes in rules over the coming weeks.

For more information and updates on how travel through Delhi may affect your immigration journey, visit trusted sources and stay connected with VisaVerge.com, which will keep tracking this situation as it evolves.

Whether you are a concerned immigrant, a worried family member, a student with dreams, or simply a traveler hoping to get home, the recent days have shown how quickly plans can change. With careful planning, patience, and the right information, you can face these challenges and move forward even in uncertain times.

Learn Today

Operation Sindoor → Indian military operation targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam.
Waiver → Permission from airlines allowing travelers to change bookings or get refunds without normal fees during disruptions.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) → Delhi’s main international airport, India’s busiest, key for travelers, businesses, and students.
Airspace closure → Government action blocking civil aircraft from flying in certain regions for safety during crises or conflicts.
Grace period → A short extension for visa or document deadlines when disruptions like flight cancellations can be proven.

This Article in a Nutshell

Delhi’s airport chaos on May 9, 2025 saw 138 flights cancelled amid sudden India-Pakistan tensions. This disrupted travel plans of millions, especially immigrants and students. Airlines offered waivers, but delays remained. As security tightened and rumors spread, travelers were urged to check official sources and prepare for ongoing uncertainty.
— By VisaVerge.com

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