Key Takeaways
• India closed 32 airports after Operation Sindoor missile strikes on May 7, 2025, causing over 300 daily flight cancellations.
• Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu urged airlines to restore normal operations and address economic and security concerns.
• Airlines requested Viability Gap Funding, tax relief on Aviation Turbine Fuel, and improved coordination to regain passenger trust and stability.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has taken swift steps to stabilize the country’s aviation sector after large-scale flight disruptions caused by the recent India-Pakistan conflict. On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in the capital, the minister met with top airline representatives and senior officials. The main aim was to discuss how to restore full flight operations after days of uncertainty and lost business. The meeting marked an important moment for the country’s aviation, touching on passenger safety, business concerns, and national security.
The Road to Normal Flight Operations
Flight services across India’s northern and western regions came to an abrupt halt after the eruption of hostilities between India 🇮🇳 and Pakistan 🇵🇰. These disruptions stemmed from Indian missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan during “Operation Sindoor,” which took place on May 7, 2025. Following the strikes, border tensions soared, and India closed 32 airports for civilian flights. The closures brought the country’s busy summer travel season to a sudden pause, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and airlines facing mounting losses.
Minister K Rammohan Naidu recognized the tremendous setback this caused, especially given the importance of these airports for both domestic and international travel. Airlines cancelled more than 300 flights each day while the airports remained closed, and many flights, especially those headed westward, had to take longer alternate routes since Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines. This led to more delays, higher fuel costs, and lower passenger satisfaction in an already tense period.
Key Issues Raised During the Meeting
At the high-level gathering, K Rammohan Naidu pressed for a return to normal schedules across all 32 affected airports starting May 15. According to reports, airline officials responded positively to the idea. While the Civil Aviation Ministry had cleared these airports for civilian flights from May 12, airlines hesitated to resume full operations, citing ongoing security concerns. SpiceJet stood out as the exception, carrying out a Delhi to Srinagar service and even planning flights from Srinagar to Medina for Haj travelers.
The meeting highlighted vital areas such as:
- The economic toll on the aviation sector because of canceled flights and rerouted planes.
- The specific loss of Viability Gap Funding (VGF), a kind of government support that helps airlines keep less profitable but important routes running. Airlines stressed that this funding disappeared during the closures.
- Calls for tax relief on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which makes up a major part of airline costs. With routes made longer and flights sitting unused, companies faced heavy financial pressure.
- Concerns about passenger confidence. Many people canceled trips ahead of the busy summer, worrying about safety and reliability. The weak travel sentiment made it harder for airlines to bounce back quickly.
- Security improvements. To reassure both workers and passengers, airports saw a boost in security measures, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Minister K Rammohan Naidu asked airlines to show gratitude for the armed forces’ role in protecting the nation, suggesting that they make special mentions during flights.
What Led to the Crisis?
The situation began when, in response to terror activities, India launched missiles into Pakistan on May 7, as part of the military effort called “Operation Sindoor.” Alarmed by rising dangers, authorities closed airspace around 32 major airports. This drastic action signaled how quickly the government needed to move to safeguard people and key infrastructure.
As airports fell silent, Indian airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of flights a day. International flights, which typically cross Pakistani airspace for quick routes to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, faced lengthy detours. Travel times grew, and costs soared, adding fresh worries to families and businesses hoping to reach their destinations on time.
Even after civilian flights were allowed again at the 32 airports on May 12, most airline companies did not immediately open bookings for all routes. Concerns remained about the broader safety situation, potential follow-up strikes, and the overall mood among the traveling public. Only SpiceJet restarted limited services on the release day, underlining the careful approach most carriers took.
Statements and the Spirit of ‘Nation First’
After the review meeting, K Rammohan Naidu took to social media to share his thoughts with the public. He wrote about chairing the meeting with airline heads and top officials, saying, “In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, I appreciate the extraordinary efforts of the security forces in safeguarding our nation. Also, kudos to the seamless coordination between the Ministry, DGCA, AAI and airlines during this emergency.”
The minister’s leadership during this national emergency highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation among government bodies, security agencies, and private airlines. “Proud to witness the aviation sector rising to the occasion with a unified commitment to ‘Nation First’,” he added. His words struck a hopeful note for the country, urging all stakeholders to remember their shared duty in tough times.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, K Rammohan Naidu’s approach has been practical and inspiring, combining quick decision-making with collaborative problem-solving. His message—one of gratitude toward the armed forces and praise for civil aviation staff—stood out as a sign of hope for travelers and businesses alike.
Long-Term Impacts on Indian Aviation
While the immediate goal is to get flights back in the air, the events following Operation Sindoor are likely to leave a lasting mark on Indian aviation. By shutting down airports and rerouting flights, the government and airlines learned how important it is to plan for emergencies, keep extra capacity ready, and communicate clearly with passengers.
Several long-term issues now shape future discussions in India’s aviation policies:
- Airlines may push harder for Viability Gap Funding, arguing that their willingness to maintain service in less profitable or high-risk markets depends on such support.
- Concerns about the high cost of fuel, especially when routes stretch much longer, may lead to new talks with central and state governments over tax relief.
- The importance of passenger confidence is clearer than ever. After major disruptions, quick and open communication—alongside visible safety action—becomes vital to attract people back to flying.
- Security measures at airports will likely remain tighter, not only in the short term but also as a regular practice.
Challenges for Airlines and Passengers
The sudden halt in flight operations meant big losses for airlines. Over 300 flights were canceled daily, leading to lost ticket sales, angry customers, and idle planes. Some airlines tried to keep essential routes open by flying much longer ways around closed airspace, but this only added to costs.
Passengers were caught off guard too. Many found themselves stranded, their holiday plans or family visits lost. International travelers, in particular, faced headaches as flights that normally went through northern and western India diverted or stopped entirely.
Requests surfaced during the minister’s meeting for relief on taxes tied to Aviation Turbine Fuel. For airlines, the tax on ATF is one of the highest in the world. When planes must fly longer paths because of airspace closures, their costs go up fast, putting the carriers under even more stress.
The Role of Flight Operations and Coordination
K Rammohan Naidu’s focus on smoothing flight operations meant looking beyond just opening airports. Successful recovery needed coordinated efforts between government, airlines, airport authorities, security forces, and air traffic controllers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation worked closely with bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to make the process as smooth as possible.
One important step was encouraging clear communication between airlines and passengers. Advice for affected travelers included checking official sources, like the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s website, for updates on flight status, safety precautions, and rebooking options.
The minister also saw the value in public gestures of thanks to the armed forces, urging airlines to include in-flight announcements that recognize their sacrifices. Such actions help build a sense of unity not just in the skies, but across the whole country.
Previous Experience and Sector Initiatives
K Rammohan Naidu, just 37 years old, has already built a strong reputation for energetic leadership in India’s aviation sector. Since becoming the 33rd Minister of Civil Aviation in June 2024, he has championed several efforts to strengthen the industry, such as boosting India’s Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) industry. The MRO sector is key to keeping planes safe, creating jobs, and building expertise in aircraft upkeep inside India.
Under his watch, India’s focus on aviation modernization has grown. The ability to respond to emergencies like the one seen after Operation Sindoor shows that the sector is becoming more resilient, learning from every crisis, and getting better prepared for what might come next.
What Travelers, Airlines, and Stakeholders Should Expect Next
For passengers, the promise of restored flight schedules means more travel options as summer approaches. However, experts recommend that travelers keep a close eye on updates, as airlines may take some time before reaching full capacity at all locations. Security measures may mean longer times at airports, so arriving early and checking with airlines ahead of time can help avoid surprises.
For airlines, the push to restore regular service will also include a push to regain public trust, manage higher costs (especially for fuel), and keep safety at the forefront. Many may look to the government for further support on taxes, funding, or even insurance for similar large emergencies in the future.
Government officials, including those in the Civil Aviation Ministry under K Rammohan Naidu, plan to keep working on long-term policies that balance growth, safety, and passenger needs.
Industry observers expect that the lessons from Operation Sindoor, the flight schedule crisis, and recovery will shape many future decisions. Airlines and regulators may revise emergency plans, communication tools, and even network choices to avoid such steep disruptions in the years ahead.
Conclusion: A Sector Tested, a Nation United
The recent disruption caused by Operation Sindoor and the closure of 32 airports brought serious challenges for India 🇮🇳’s aviation sector. But through the actions of K Rammohan Naidu, deliberate efforts by airlines, and the commitment of security forces, the sector is now moving back toward normalcy.
Flight operations are set to resume as early as May 15, ushering in new hope for millions of travelers and giving airlines a chance to get back on their feet. The experience highlights the vital role of communication, cooperation, and quick leadership in handling emergencies. As India looks forward to busier, safer skies, stakeholders and travelers alike will remember this as a period that tested—yet ultimately proved—the strength and unity of the nation’s aviation system.
Learn Today
Operation Sindoor → A military operation by India involving missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan on May 7, 2025.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) → Government financial support helping airlines maintain essential but less profitable routes during challenging times.
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) → Specialized jet fuel, representing a significant portion of airline operating expenses due to taxes and price volatility.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) → India’s national regulatory body overseeing civil aviation safety, regulations, and coordination.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) → Government organization responsible for managing airports, air navigation, and ensuring airport infrastructure nationwide.
This Article in a Nutshell
After Operation Sindoor’s military strikes led to the closure of 32 Indian airports, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu rapidly convened airline leaders. The sector faced severe disruptions, but prompt official coordination now prepares for resuming normal flight services by May 15. Key challenges remain: restoring confidence, economic relief, and strengthening aviation security.
— By VisaVerge.com
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