A Step Towards Stability
Srinagar 14 May 2025: After days of uncertainty following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, commercial flight operations have resumed at Srinagar and Jammu airports. This marks a significant shift towards normalcy as schools and colleges in non-border districts of Jammu and Kashmir also reopen.
Flights Resume at Srinagar and Jammu Airports
Officials confirmed that flight operations resumed after six days of suspension due to hostilities. On Tuesday, the first commercial flight from Delhi landed at Srinagar airport at 1:20 PM, marking the beginning of renewed air traffic in the region.
Current Flight Operations
- Srinagar airport, which typically facilitates 100 flights daily, has begun scaling its operations.
- Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet are the key players resuming services.
- At Jammu airport, Air India Express operated flights on the Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar route.
A passenger from Mumbai, who was stranded in Srinagar due to the disruptions, expressed relief over the resumed flights. In a video shared by Srinagar airport’s official X account, he thanked the authorities for ensuring safety and smooth operations.
Security Concerns Still Linger
Although air travel is resuming, security concerns remain. Indigo canceled flights on Tuesday due to reports of drone intrusions in Samba the previous evening. The presence of such threats underscores the fragile situation, despite efforts to restore normalcy.
The Aftermath of Operation Sindoor
Flight suspensions were a direct consequence of Operation Sindoor, India’s precision missile strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which intensified tensions between the two nations.
Impact of Operation Sindoor
- 32 airports across the country experienced disruptions in their operations.
- Hajj flights were postponed, affecting the travel plans of thousands of pilgrims.
Hajj Flights to Resume
Officials have confirmed that Hajj pilgrimage flights will resume from Wednesday after multiple cancellations between May 7 and May 12.
- Three flights are scheduled on May 14 and May 15, while a new schedule will be released soon for the previously canceled trips.
Schools and Colleges Open in Non-Border Districts
After days of uncertainty, students were seen returning to schools in Jammu and Kashmir as educational institutions reopened on Tuesday.
Student Perspective on the Tensions
High school students at institutions in Srinagar noted the chatter around the conflict, reflecting on the tensions of the previous six days. University campuses, including Kashmir University, will fully resume activities on Wednesday.
For students residing in border areas, institutions have decided to delay reopening until May 19, considering the ongoing security risks.
Has the Crisis Truly Ended?
While daily life in Kashmir is resuming, experts warn that India has only “paused” military action against Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India will retaliate if another terror attack occurs, signaling continued vigilance.
Lingering Geopolitical Uncertainties
- India remains firm on its counter-terrorism stance.
- Diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure stability, though tensions remain.
- Pakistan has welcomed U.S. mediation, whereas India continues to reject third-party intervention in Kashmir affairs.
Bottom-Line: Normalcy Amidst Uncertainty
While the resumption of flights and reopening of educational institutions indicates a return to peace and stability, the broader conflict remains unresolved. Citizens and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, understanding that tensions could flare up again at any moment.
