CLAIM: India has shut down airport entry and suspended civil aviation operations following the Pahalgam attack.
VERDICT: False
There is NO blanket ban on airport entry or civil aviation across India. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have both issued clarifications, debunking these viral claims circulating on social media.
What Sparked the Panic?
As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the tragic April 22 Pahalgam attack, social media platforms began flooding with unverified claims. The most alarming? That the Indian government had suspended all airport operations and shut down civil aviation nationwide.
These rumors gained traction particularly after India’s retaliatory strike on terror camps in PoJK and Pakistan’s subsequent attacks on May 8, which further strained diplomatic and security ties.
But here’s the reality…
Official Clarification: No Nationwide Airport Ban
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) swiftly addressed the misinformation, stating that no such nationwide airport shutdown has been implemented. Civil aviation continues as scheduled, and there has been no directive to halt commercial air traffic.
What has changed? Security.
According to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), enhanced security protocols are now in place across all airports. This includes:
- Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC) or pre-boarding checks for all passengers
- Thorough vehicle inspections at terminals
- Mandatory ID verification before airport entry
- Random passenger bag checks
Additionally, select airports in northern India—Jammu, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala—have been temporarily closed, but strictly for public safety and strategic precaution, not due to a nationwide shutdown.
The Context: Why the Misinformation Spread
The rumors surfaced just as India launched Operation Sindoor, a precise strike targeting terrorist infrastructure. In retaliation, Pakistan attempted aerial attacks but suffered the loss of three fighter jets, one pilot reportedly captured in Rajasthan.
Amid this charged atmosphere, fear and speculation on social media were inevitable—but amplified misinformation only fuels unnecessary panic.
Final Word
Misinformation spreads faster than truth—but the facts matter.
India has not shut down its skies. Civil aviation remains operational. What has changed is the heightened security posture, a rational and essential move in response to recent events.
So the next time a viral post makes extraordinary claims—stop, check, and verify before hitting share.