Flight Disruptions at Bengaluru Airport Due to Airspace Closure in Northern India
Bengaluru: Flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) were significantly disrupted on May 7 due to an unexpected airspace closure over northern India. A total of 29 flights were cancelled, affecting both arrivals and departures, as confirmed by airport authorities.
Out of the cancellations, 15 were incoming flights, while 14 were departures. The disruption was attributed to temporary airspace restrictions in the northern region, though the specific reasons behind the closure were not publicly disclosed.
In response to the disruptions, KIA issued a passenger advisory, advising travellers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. “Due to prevailing airspace restrictions, some flights have been cancelled on May 7, 2025. We request passengers to verify their status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time,” the advisory read. Airlines also notified passengers about potential delays and cancellations.
The cancellations primarily impacted domestic routes, causing ripple effects across several major airlines operating from Bengaluru. Airport officials stated they were working closely with airline operators to manage passenger flow and minimize inconvenience.
Kempegowda International Airport, one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, typically handles over 700 aircraft movements daily and serves as a crucial gateway to southern India. While delays and cancellations are not uncommon due to weather or technical issues, such large-scale disruptions due to national airspace restrictions are rare.
This disruption comes amid heightened national security measures following Operation Sindoor, though it remains unclear whether the airspace closure is directly related to military activity.
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