Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has instructed airlines to resume normal flight schedules starting Thursday, May 15, across all 32 airports that recently reopened. This directive follows a six-day partial suspension of operations due to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that temporarily closed 25 segments of air traffic service routes within the Delhi and Mumbai flight information regions.
Summary:
India has officially restored full air operations at all 32 airports affected by the temporary NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), bringing relief to thousands of travelers. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the decision, stating that normal flight schedules would resume from May 15, 2025.
✈️ Background: What Happened?
Between May 9 and May 15, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation imposed a temporary NOTAM that suspended operations in 25 key airspace segments. This impacted 32 major airports, particularly in northern and western India, including:
- Delhi
- Jaipur
- Amritsar
- Ahmedabad
- Srinagar
- Chandigarh
… and more.
This restriction was part of Operation Sindoor, a national-level safety precaution amid heightened tensions with neighboring countries.
🔄 Full Restoration from May 15
Ram Mohan Naidu, India’s new Civil Aviation Minister, issued a formal directive to all domestic and international airlines, asking them to restore full normal operations effective May 15. Airlines are now resuming:
- Full domestic and international flights
- All cargo and special purpose air routes
- Regular ATC (Air Traffic Control) functions
“Passenger safety and minimal disruption were our top priorities. We thank travelers for their cooperation during this period,” said Naidu in a press release.
🧭 Impact on Travelers
During the NOTAM enforcement:
- Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed.
- Passengers received full refunds or zero-fee rescheduling options.
- Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara activated emergency support lines.
Now that the airspace is fully reopened, all travel advisories have been lifted and flight services are stabilizing rapidly.
📍 What Is a NOTAM?
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is an alert issued to pilots and air traffic controllers about potential hazards or temporary changes in airspace operations. In this case, the NOTAM was related to national security protocols.
🌐 Airline Announcements
Airlines have started posting updated schedules and customer notices:
- IndiGo: “We are resuming all affected routes from May 15. Please check our app or website for live status.”
- Air India: “Full refunds were processed for all canceled flights during May 9–15. New flights are now bookable.”
📸 Photo Gallery
You may add a media gallery showing:
- Empty terminals during the NOTAM
- Reopened gates and resumed check-ins
- Civil Aviation Minister’s statement snapshot
📢 Final Word
India’s swift response and organized restoration of air operations post-NOTAM show its readiness and resilience. Passengers are advised to verify flight timings and reach airports early as systems normalize over the next few days.