Flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru faced significant disruption on Wednesday, May 7, as northern India’s airspace was suddenly restricted, leading to the cancellation of 29 flights, airport officials confirmed.
The cancellations included 15 incoming and 14 outgoing flights, affecting numerous domestic routes. While no official explanation was provided for the abrupt closure, the move coincides with heightened national security following India’s Operation Sindoor, raising speculation over a possible link.
In light of the disruption, KIA issued a public travel advisory, requesting passengers to confirm their flight status before proceeding to the airport. “Due to current airspace constraints, several flights have been cancelled on May 7, 2025. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates. We thank you for your patience,” the advisory read.
Major carriers operating from Bengaluru issued alerts regarding potential delays and schedule changes, attempting to manage traveler expectations and ease operational stress. Airport authorities added that they were in active coordination with airlines to streamline passenger handling and reduce inconvenience.
This incident caused ripple effects across India’s aviation network, particularly impacting connectivity in southern regions. KIA, which usually sees over 700 aircraft movements daily, is one of the country’s busiest airports and a vital southern gateway.
Though delays due to weather or technical glitches are routine, mass cancellations driven by national airspace restrictions remain rare — highlighting the gravity of the prevailing security environment.
Read also: