The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Saturday announced the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India from May 9 to May 14. The decision has been taken in view of the escalating situation between India and Pakistan.

All civil flight operations at these airports will be suspended during this period.

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The affected airports include Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise and Uttarlai.

In addition, 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) have also been closed due to operational reasons till May 15.

Airlines and operators have been advised to plan alternative routes. The temporary closure is being coordinated with air traffic control units to ensure safety and minimise disruption.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating with the latter now targeting residential areas in the Indian territory. As per the Defence Ministry, drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala.

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Indian Armed Forces have been maintaining a high state of alert and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch.