Aviation stocks slide up to 5% as 27 airports shut to civilian flights amid security concerns

Aviation-related stocks such as GMR Airports and InterGlobe Aviation-held IndiGo slid up to 5% on Friday after the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the closure of 27 airports to civilian flights due to the ongoing military situation. Key airports affected include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bhuj, and Jammu.

The shares of IndiGo fell by 5% to an intraday low of Rs 4,890.90 on the BSE while those of GMR Airports tumbled by 3.3% to Rs 81.76.

Airlines have issued advisories urging passengers to arrive early at operational airports due to extended security protocols. IndiGo, which cancelled 165 flights on Wednesday, said: “Heightened security measures are in place. Please allow extra time for your journey.” Air India rerouted international flights away from Amritsar.

IndiGo also announced that bookings made on or before 8 May 2025 are eligible for change or cancellation fee waivers for travel until 22 May to and from impacted airports, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh & Rajkot.

Delhi Airport said flight operations remain normal but warned that some services may be affected due to changing airspace conditions. “Please check with your airlines for the latest updates. Avoid sharing unverified information,” airport authorities posted on X.

Following a directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), multiple carriers have advised passengers to report at least three hours before departure. Air India, Akasa, and SpiceJet have all issued similar advisories, citing longer check-in and security screening times.

Akasa also reminded passengers to carry valid photo ID, limit cabin baggage to one 7 kg bag, and complete online check-in to save time. SpiceJet said on X: “Arrive at least 3 hours before departure to ensure timely security checks and boarding.”

These advisories come in the wake of ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army, which reportedly resorted to firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri, Kupwara, Tangdhar, and Karnah sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

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