India has resumed operations at 32 airports, including key hubs in Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Amritsar, following a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan that has de-escalated border tensions. The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, marks a significant step toward restoring normalcy in the region after a week of heightened military activity that disrupted air travel and strained bilateral relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The ceasefire, brokered through diplomatic channels and facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate, came into effect on May 11, 2025, after intense clashes along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The conflict, which began on May 7, saw both nations accuse each other of drone and artillery attacks, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Pakistan reported five civilian deaths and 29 injuries in its Kashmir region, while India claimed its military bases were targeted. The Indian Army described May 11 as the first peaceful night in days, with no reported violations, prompting the decision to lift airspace restrictions.
The reopening of airports has enabled hundreds of commercial flights to resume, alleviating the travel disruptions that stranded thousands of passengers. Airports in Ambala, Jammu, Leh, and other border-adjacent areas, which were closed due to security concerns, are now operational, with airlines instructed to coordinate with the Airports Authority of India to manage backlog. The move has boosted regional markets, with shares in Indian aviation companies edging higher, reflecting investor confidence in the ceasefire’s stability. However, the Indian military remains on high alert, with ongoing talks between India’s and Pakistan’s military operations chiefs scheduled to discuss next steps.
The ceasefire follows a turbulent period that saw India accuse Pakistan of downing two of its military aircraft, a claim Pakistan denied, while Pakistan alleged India launched 25 drone incursions into its airspace. Both nations have committed to adhering to the 2003 ceasefire agreement, with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaging in backchannel diplomacy to prevent further escalation. The U.S. Consulate in Lahore, which had directed staff to shelter in place during the conflict, has resumed normal operations, signaling a return to calm.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The ceasefire’s durability hinges on mutual restraint, given the history of violations along the LoC. India has emphasized the need for Pakistan to curb cross-border militancy, while Pakistan seeks assurances against Indian military provocations. The reopening of airports, while a positive development, is tempered by calls for sustained dialogue to address underlying issues, including the Kashmir dispute. As both nations navigate this fragile truce, the restoration of air travel offers hope for economic recovery and renewed diplomatic engagement in South Asia.