New Delhi: Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, chaired a review meeting on Tuesday with airline executives and senior officials, aiming to restore normalcy to flight operations following recent disruptions due to the military conflict between India and Pakistan.
Commending the “extraordinary efforts of the security forces” and the “seamless coordination” between the Ministry, DGCA, AAI, and airlines, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Naidu outlined a path forward.
With the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricted flights set to expire on May 15th, the Minister suggested airlines resume their regular schedules from this date across all 32 airports impacted by the NOTAM. Airlines reportedly responded positively to this proposal.
These airports, located in the northern and western parts of the country, had been temporarily closed to civilian air traffic on May 9th after India conducted missile strikes on “terror infrastructure” in Pakistan on May 7th; they were reopened on May 12th.
Minister Naidu also urged airlines to explore ways to acknowledge the vital contributions of the armed forces, suggesting in-flight announcements as a possible means. On their part, airlines voiced concerns over the financial impact of the closures, including the loss of Viability Gap Funding (VGF). They also highlighted a weakened travel sentiment, noting an increase in cancellations despite the onset of the peak summer travel season, and reiterated their request for tax relief on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The recent airport shutdowns had resulted in the cancellation of over 300 flights daily.
Asserting a “Nation First” approach, Naidu pledged the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s steadfast support for the Armed Forces, especially following “Operation Sindoor.” While India and Pakistan reached an understanding on Saturday to cease all military actions, Indian airlines continue to operate longer international routes to Western destinations due to Pakistan’s ongoing airspace closure to Indian carriers.
