Flight operations at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar officially resumed on May 14, after being suspended for a week amid escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border. The first flight to land was a Qatar Airways international arrival from Doha, marking the restart of both domestic and international services.
The return to normalcy comes after heightened security concerns forced authorities to temporarily suspend all flight movements beginning May 7. The suspension was initially precautionary but was later extended until May 15, following rising geopolitical tensions.
First Flights After Suspension: A Sign of Stability
Operations resumed with a total of eight flights landing and departing on the first day back, including:
International Flight:
- Qatar Airways from Doha, landed at 1:48 AM and departed at 3:35 AM on May 14
Domestic Flights Included:
| Airline | Route | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | Delhi – Amritsar | 12:20 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Alliance Air | Kullu – Amritsar | ~8:30 AM | Returned at 9:08 AM |
| IndiGo | Delhi – Amritsar | 1:40 PM | 2:10 PM |
Airport authorities are working swiftly to restore full operations and rebuild passenger confidence.
Upcoming International Flight Resumptions
Two major international carriers are set to resume services this week:
- Malaysia Airlines: Restarts operations on May 18, offering connections to Kuala Lumpur and beyond
- AirAsia: Services begin on May 19, connecting Amritsar to destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Manila, and Southeast Asia
This is expected to revive outbound travel from Amritsar and resume important international connectivity for business and diaspora travelers.
Why Was Amritsar Airport Closed?
The airport was shut down on May 7, 2025, as a precautionary move due to rising India-Pakistan border tensions. Following the announcement of a ceasefire on May 12, preparations were made to reopen the airport.
However, a sudden blackout on the night of May 12 disrupted operations once again. An IndiGo flight from Delhi had to turn back mid-air from Bathinda due to uncertain ground conditions, and no flights operated on May 13.
By May 14, with systems stabilized and security reviewed, operations finally resumed.
Amritsar Airport: A Key Gateway to North India and Global Sikh Diaspora
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Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport serves as Punjab’s primary international aviation hub, connecting millions of domestic and NRI travelers to major global destinations. It is especially vital for travelers to and from Canada, the UK, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
The resumption of operations is not only critical for passenger movement but also for cargo services, religious tourism, and the regional economy.
Conclusion: A Cautious Return to Normal
The successful resumption of flights at Amritsar airport marks an important step in restoring stability and connectivity after a turbulent week. With international airlines like Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia preparing to resume services, and domestic carriers already active, the airport is set to return to full-scale operations in the coming days.
Authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that passenger safety and service continuity are prioritized amid changing regional dynamics.
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