Approximately 200 flights were cancelled following a sudden military operation known as “Sindoor,” launched by the Indian armed forces. At least 18 airports across the country, including the key Srinagar Airport in the Jammu and Kashmir region, have temporarily suspended operations, causing widespread disruption for travelers.

The largest hit came from IndiGo, India’s biggest airline, which alone cancelled 160 flights, according to local media reports. Other domestic and regional carriers also announced mass cancellations and delays, stranding thousands of passengers at major transit hubs. The move came unexpectedly late Tuesday, leading to overnight chaos across terminals.

The closures were implemented as India’s military launched air strikes across the border targeting infrastructure located in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and deeper into Pakistani territory. According to reports, the strikes were part of a retaliatory mission after a deadly attack earlier in April that claimed 26 lives at a tourist site in northern India. Indian officials have blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the incident.