Operation Sindoor Highlights: 21 airports in North, North-Western India to remain shut till May 10

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Find all the latest updates on Operation Sindoor on 8th May 2025 here.

Sirivennela, ADCP-2 says, "As per the central government, 21 airports in the North and North-western India will remain shut till May 10. No flights will be operated from here..." (ANI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed to all tourists, visitors and local people who might have any more information, photographs or videos relating to the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists to immediately contact the agency.

UK Member of Parliament Priti Patel condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and called on the British government to strengthen counter-terror cooperation with India, ANI reported.

Speaking in the UK House of Commons, Patel reiterated her condolences to the victims and urged the UK to recognise the cross-border terror threat posed by groups operating from Pakistan.

“During the night of May 7-8, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked fire using small arms and artillery guns across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor areas in J&K. Indian Army responded proportionately,” said Indian Army.

Rajasthan | In view of the current situation, the Jodhpur administration announces a holiday in all private and government schools and Anganwadis from today till further orders: District Collector Gaurav Agarwal

Sheikhupura District Additional Deputy Commissioner, Usman Jalees says "Around midnight, two missiles were fired by India in the premises and the other two attacks were carried out after a brief gap, and the whole four attacks were carried out in less than ten minutes. Four buildings have been demolished, one is the admin block and the mosque, and additionally two residences."

Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrives in New Delhi for the India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting

Visuals from Muridke, Pakistan show the terror hotbed in rubble following Indian missile strikes.

Satellite pics from Maxar Technologies show damage caused by Indian missile strikes on Jamia Mosque in Bahawalpur and the city of Muridke, Pakistan, before and after the strike.

Congress MP Rajiv Shukla told ANI on Wednesday said, "The all-party meeting has been called to brief everyone about the situation, and how the operation was carried out. It is very good that the government will hold a discussion with everyone." (ANI)

Operation Sindoor LIVE: Air India and Air India Express have offered free rescheduling of tickets or full refunds on cancellations for armed forces personnel who have bookings with the airlines.

"In the prevailing situation, for those personnel holding defence fares who are booked on Air India and Air India Express flights till 31 May 2025, we are offering full refunds on cancellation and a one-time waiver on rescheduling flights up to 30 June 2025 to support their duty commitments," Air India said in a post on X on Wednesday.

A similar post was also shared by Air India Express.

Operation Sindoor LIVE: Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said the country is proud of the armed forces which conducted Operation Sindoor with precision strikes on terror camps across the border.

"The entire nation is proud of our Armed Forces who conducted Operation Sindoor with precision strikes on terror targets to demonstrate that Bharat has zero tolerance for terrorism," Naidu said in a post on X.

"The government has shown its firm resolve to stamping out terrorism with a multi-pronged approach and punishing the planners and perpetrators of such cruel acts of terror such as the horrific killings of innocent civilians in Pahalgam," he added.

Operation Sindoor LIVE: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he wants India and Pakistan to stop attacking each other now and offered to help the two countries work out their differences amid rising tensions.

"I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there," he told reporters in the Oval Office, a Reuters report said.  

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday hailed Operation Sindoor, calling it a "closure" for the families affected by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.  

"There is closure for the families of the victims. We cancelled a protest in Raichur against the price rise in view of the retaliatory attacks. We don't want to do politics on this issue, and we strongly stand behind the defence forces and the government," he said. 

“Operation Sindhoor was an appropriate response to the cowardly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir,” he wrote on X. 

Operation Sindoor LIVE: In a sweeping exercise to assess emergency preparedness, all districts across Uttar Pradesh, including the capital Lucknow, conducted coordinated civil defence mock drills on Wednesday evening under ‘Operation Abhyas’.

In Lucknow, a large-scale demonstration was conducted after 7 pm at the Reserve Police Lines, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath observed the drill, a PTI report said. 

India on Wednesday dismissed claims on Pakistan social media about 'Operation Sindoor', saying the neighbouring country has unleashed a "full-blown disinformation offensive" with "lies" and digital theatrics to control the narrative.

A series of posts by the Press Information Bureau's Fact-Checking Unit said pro-Pakistan social media handles were sharing old photos of crashes of IAF aircraft and claiming they were shot down by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor on Wednesday.

People were seen celebrating at Lal Chowk in Srinagar after successful implementation of Operation Sindoor.

A man told ANI, "Entire Kashmir stood against those who attacked innocent tourists and local Kashmiris. We had one demand - justice for all the victims. An operation that happened yesterday from the Indian Army. This time we are with the nation. As a Kashmiri youngster, we want to convey that if an enemy intrudes your home, you don't run, you face them. Some perpetrators came, but we are against them and every sympathiser of theirs... All of the country is one and please do come back. This is your Kashmir, we are waiting for you..."

Amit Shah shared details about his meeting with chief ministers and LGs of border states.

“In the meeting with the Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal held today, asked the states to maintain the availability of essential goods and services and to keep relief and rescue forces like the SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, and NCC on alert to handle any situation,” he said in a post on X.

“Instructed to monitor and take swift action on anti-national propaganda on all media platforms and to maintain seamless communication and security at vulnerable points.”

Defence officials say, according to ANI, “Indian Army closely monitoring the ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army. Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi is constantly in touch with local formations on Pakistan Army actions there. Formations have been given operational freedom to give appropriate reply to the Pakistan Army’s use of artillery guns to target Indian civilians along the Line of Control. Pakistan has resorted to artillery shelling on civilian targets after Indian Army last night attacked five terror camps in the Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir using precision-guided special munitions. A total of nine targets were hit in a joint tri-services operation.”

India has now closed 27 airports in the view of the current situation

Updated list of airports: 27 airports include- Dharamshala, Hindan, Gwalior, Kishangarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Patiala, Shimla, Gaggal, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Thoise, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Bhatinda, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshode, Bhuj, and Chandigarh.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received clearance from the Indian government to host match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) match on Thursday of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) in Dharamshala at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. However, the May 11 match has been shifted from Dharmshala to Mumbai, and the new date for the match will be updated soon.

As Dharamshala is located near the India-Pakistan border, there might be a threat at this venue, so there is a chance that the Punjab-based franchise will play their remaining home matches at a different place.

"BCCI gets clearance from the government to host tomorrow's match in Dharamshala, but the May 11 match shifted to Mumbai from Dharmshala, the fresh date for the match will be updated soon," BCCI sources told ANI.

The Indian Army shared a video of the destruction of the Mehmoona Joya Terrorist Camp at Sialkot.

“Target 3 – Mehmoona Joya Terrorist Camp at Sialkot. Distance – 12 Km from International boundary. Key training centre of Hizbul Mujahideen. Used as control centre for revival of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. DESTROYED AT 1.11 AM on 07 May 2025,” it said in an X post.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the instructions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, given during a high level meeting in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, will be implemented in letter and spirit

Sinha was part of a virtual meeting chaired by Shah.

"The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the instructions of the Union Home Minister will be implemented in letter and spirit. After the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor gave instructions to the officials to take necessary steps as per guidelines of the Union Home Minister and to neutralise any potential threat in time," an official spokesperson said.

In view of the prevailing situation all Schools, Colleges and educational institutions (private as well as Government) in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed tomorrow  as well

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy on Wednesday held a review meeting following a series of targeted military strikes under Operation Sindoor launched by India.

The CM orders police officials to detain Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals who are residing illegally. Leaves of the employees of all departments which engage in emergency services have been cancelled.

All airports in Himachal Pradesh are on alert and security beefed up at Kangra airport which has been closed for civilian traffic, the Kangra Airport Director said.

All flights have been cancelled following Operation Sindoor and the airports in the northern and western areas are under high alert, Dharmender Sharma told the reporters.

The airport remains open for the use of the Air Force, he said.

Banks have tightened their cyber security network to ward off any cyber threat in the wake of India launching missile attacks on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Banks have also improved their security at the branches near border areas due to heightened threat of a counter attack.

"We have strengthened the cyber security mechanism... we have created a 24 hours war room to diffuse any cyber attack... we are prepared for any eventuality," Punjab National Bank MD and CEO Ashok Chandra said.

Hours after Indian armed forces took revenge for the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam by destroying nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the nation regarding the missile strikes. Read more

Updated List of Airports Closed as per NOTAM

Information as at time 07 MAY 2025 1520 IST

1. Chandigarh

2. Srinagar

3. Amritsar

4. Ludhiana

5. Bhuntar

6. Kishangarh

7. Patiala

8. Shimla

9. Gaggal

10. Bhatinda

11. Jaisalmer

12. Jodhpur

13. Bikaner

14. Halwara

15. Pathankot

16. Jammu

17. Leh

18. Mundra

19. Jamnagar

20. Rajkot

21. Porbandar

22. Kandla

23. Keshod

24. Bhuj

25. Thoise

Airports closed till 09th May 2025, 2359 UTC

SpiceJet on Tuesday announced the cancellation of flight operations to and from six airports in northern India, following airport closures implemented amid heightened security in the wake of the Indian Armed Forces' 'Operation Sindoor' launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

In its travel advisory posted on social media platform X, SpiceJet stated that Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Kandla, and Dharamshala airports are currently shut, and all flight operations to and from these cities remain suspended till 5:29 am IST on May 10.

Fifteen innocent civilians have been killed and 43 injured in artillery firing by the Pakistan Army since yesterday night which has hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdhar, defence sources said on Wednesday.

Pakistan Army has targeted civilian areas in the border areas. The shelling caused panic among villagers and damaged several houses.

After Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army continued its series of ceasefire violations by targeting civilian areas in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Officials said the shelling caused panic among villagers and damaged several houses.

Operation Sindoor testament to Modi govt's zero tolerance policy against terrorism to the entire world, says Amit Shah

The Embassy of India in Beijing on Wednesday slammed China's national daily Global Times for publishing wrong information about ‘Operation Sindoor’ and recommended it “verify facts and cross-examine sources”.

In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Beijing, wrote, “Dear @globaltimesnews, we would recommend you verify your facts and cross-examine your sources before pushing out this kind of dis-information.” Read more

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with foreign ministers from Spain, France, Germany, Japan, and Qatar.

He emphasised India's approach to cross-border terrorism and expressed gratitude for their solidarity and support.

Jaishankar discussed India's measured response to cross-border terrorism with Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Spoke with FM @jmalbares of Spain. Discussed India's firm and measured response to cross-border terrorism."

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed concern over the situation between India and Pakistan, and also acknowledged India's desire to protect itself against terrorism, but emphasised the need for restraint.

"We strongly condemned the terrorist attack on 22 April, which left 26 civilians brutally murdered in India," Barrot said.

He mentioned his efforts to support a United Nations Security Council statement condemning the attack, saying, "I was even in New York last week to support the adoption of a statement by the United Nations Security Council condemning this terrorist attack."

With India carrying out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed envoys and representatives of 13 UN Security Council member countries and conveyed that New Delhi's response to April 22 Pahalgam terror attack has been " targeted, measured and non-escalatory," sources were quoted as saying by ANI.

They said that Foreign Secretary conveyed that April 22 terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, was "escalation for us".

Sources said Misri pointed out that The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for LeT, had claimed responsibility for the terror attack and then backed out after it realised that it has to be shield.

Around 140 flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled by various airlines including foreign carriers on Wednesday in the wake of the armed forces carrying out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan, PTI reported

A source said that 65 arrivals and 66 departures were cancelled. Besides, 2 international departures and 2 international arrivals were cancelled during the day, the source added.

Also, 4 international departures, including a flight of American Airlines, were cancelled since 12 am.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday congratulated the India Armed Forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

In a post on X, Pawar wrote, "Spoke with PMO and raksha mantri ... congratulated the efforts of the Indian armed forces and commended them for the action taken. We reiterated our support to the government during this challenging time."

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday morning during the briefing about Operation Sindoor, creating a striking image, her family in Gujarat beamed with pride.

Col Sofiya, who hails from Vadodara city, had quit Ph.D and a teaching career to become an Army officer, they said. Her parents and brother Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi live in the Tandalja area of the city.

After the conclusion of an emergency informal meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Congress has extended its "full support" to the Indian forces and their precise strikes at the terror hideouts deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) under 'Operation Sindoor'

Following the meeting, Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi addressed the media, saying, "We held discussions (on Operation Sindoor) in the Working Committee. Full support to our Forces. Best wishes to them. Much love to them. Complete support from the Congress party and Congress Working Committee."

Operation Sindoor LIVE: Several Gulf carriers have suspended flights to Pakistan, including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, with airport closures in northern India also affecting many flight routes.

Emirates has canceled flights from Dubai to Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar on Wednesday. “Customers on cancelled flights must not proceed to the airport,” it said on its website.

Flights to and from Karachi are not impacted and will be operating as per schedule, the airline said.

Etihad said it had canceled flights to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad on Wednesday.

“Additionally, some other services may be rerouted to avoid the affected airspace, potentially resulting in extended flight times,” Etihad Airways said in a statement.

Qatar Airways said it had “temporarily suspended flights” to Pakistan, citing Pakistani airspace closure.

“The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to prioritise the safety of its passengers and crew,” it said.

Meanwhile, Indian carriers including SpiceJet and IndiGo have issued travel advisories regarding cancelations to and from destinations in northern India.

Operation Sindoor LIVE: Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani spoke to top officials from both India and Pakistan today, holding a phone call with EAM Jaishankar, and a separate call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Qatari foreign ministry said in two statements.

According to the statements, which were nearly identical, Al-Thani “expressed Qatar’s deep concern” over the situation and affirmed the country’s “full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues between the two countries through dialogue and peaceful means.”

Operation Sindoor LIVE: The Delhi Airport authorities have issued an advisory for passengers stating that some flights have been impacted due to changing airspace conditions. 

“Due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements”, the advisory read.

“We are working closely with airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to minimize any disruptions to flight schedules. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.” the advisory added. 

Operation Sindoor LIVE: World leaders, including UN chief Antonio Guterres and US President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russia, UK PM Kier Starmer on Wednesday called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and hoped that the hostilities would end "very quickly".

Operation Sindoor LIVE: Permanent and non-permanent members of the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) were briefed by the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs). Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong was also briefed.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed to all tourists, visitors and local people who might have any more information, photographs or videos relating to  PahalgamT errorAttack on tourists to immediately contact the agency. 

NIA has urged all such people to call up the agency on mobile number 9654958816 and/or on landline number – 01124368800 and provide their personal details and also the details of the kind of information or inputs they want to share. 

A senior NIA official will then connect with the caller and arrange for the relevant information/photos/videos etc to be shared with the agency.