Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, Following the successful execution of “Operation Sindoor,” a decisive counter-terrorism operation by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory and announced the cancellation of flights to and from several key northern and western Indian cities. The affected airports include Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot.
This precautionary measure comes in the wake of heightened security concerns and potential airspace restrictions in the region after the operation, which Director General Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti detailed in a press briefing on Monday.
Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Blow Against Terror
Air Marshal Bharti informed the media that Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7th, successfully targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd. He emphasized the precision of the operation, which aimed to minimize damage to civilian and military infrastructure despite attempts by the Pakistani military to intervene.
“We reiterated that our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with the Pakistani military. However, it is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene and back the terrorists, which compelled us to respond, and whatever loss they suffered, it was their own responsibility,” stated Air Marshal Bharti.
A video showcasing the destruction of Pakistani ordinance during the strikes was also displayed, underscoring the operation’s effectiveness.
India’s Robust Air Defence System Thwarts Pakistani Threats
Air Marshal Bharti lauded the “layered and intricate air defence (AD) system” of the Indian Armed Forces for successfully thwarting multiple waves of Pakistani drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This robust system, comprising assets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, includes indigenously developed soft and hard-kill counter-UAV systems and is coordinated by the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
He revealed that a Chinese-origin PL-15 missile that missed its target was intercepted, and its debris recovered. Additionally, long-range rockets, loitering munitions, and other Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) deployed by Pakistan were successfully neutralized. Air Marshal Bharti credited a decade of consistent budgetary support from the Indian government for the development and deployment of these advanced air defence capabilities.
“India’s Integrated Air Defence Stood Like a Wall”
Echoing Air Marshal Bharti’s sentiments, senior military officials confirmed that India’s sophisticated integrated air defence system successfully intercepted diverse aerial threats, including Turkish unmanned aircraft, Chinese projectiles, and potentially Pakistani planes, during the three-day period of intense conflict.
“Our integrated air defence (AD) systems stood like a wall and they (Pakistan) could not breach it. Whether it’s a Turkish drone or anything else, it fails in front of the technology of India,” Air Marshal A K Bharti asserted.
BJP Hails Operation’s Precision, PM Modi’s Resolve
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lauded Operation Sindoor’s “complete precision,” stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had fulfilled his commitment to take action against the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra emphasized the nation’s unity during the mission and highlighted the unparalleled military and non-military responses.
NCW Condemns Online Abuse Against Foreign Secretary
The National Commission for Women (NCW) strongly condemned the “reprehensible” online abuse and sharing of personal details targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family, particularly his daughter, following the operation.
India Urges Pakistan to Cease Aggressive Actions, Reduce Troop Presence
In high-level military talks on Monday evening, India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai urged his Pakistani counterpart to refrain from any further aggressive actions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international boundary. India also called for a reduction in the number of Pakistani troops and heavy weaponry mobilized in forward locations along the western front. The two DGMOs discussed the implementation of the truce that came into effect on May 10th.
Major Incident Averted: Pakistani Bomb Defused in Jaisalmer
A potentially catastrophic incident was averted in Jaisalmer after the Indian Army’s bomb disposal unit safely defused a live explosive, suspected to have been deployed by a Pakistani drone during the recent military tensions. The approximately 5 kg bomb was discovered near a Food Corporation of India godown, about 10 km from Jaisalmer city.
PM Modi Declares “New Normal” in Counter-Terrorism
In his first address to the nation after the success of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning to Pakistan, declaring, “Operation Sindoor is now India’s established policy in the fight against terrorism.” He emphasized that the operation has “redefined the fight against terror, setting a new standard and a new normal in counter-terrorism measures.”
IndiGo Travel Advisory and Flight Cancellations
In light of these developments and potential security implications, IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory for passengers planning to travel to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot. The airline has confirmed the cancellation of all flights to and from these airports effective immediately until further notice.
Passengers are advised to check the IndiGo website or contact their customer care for the latest updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The airline stated that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its top priority.
