In the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has imposed temporary airspace restrictions, affecting flight operations across several northern and western airports. In response, airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have announced policy updates including cancellation waivers, full refunds, and temporary suspensions of services.According to a report by the Times of India, a total of 27 airports across northern, western, and central India have been closed for commercial operations until 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10.
If you are a passenger with upcoming travel plans, it is important to understand what each airline is offering and how to claim a refund or reschedule your flight—especially if it has been cancelled due to operational disruptions.
This story outlines key announcements from major airlines and provides step-by-step instructions on how to request refunds or modify bookings.
IndiGo extends change and cancellation fee waiver for Srinagar flights
IndiGo has extended its full waiver on change and cancellation fees for all flights to and from Srinagar. This waiver now applies to travel up to May 22, 2025, for bookings made on or before April 22, 2025.
“Continuing our efforts to provide support to our customers and accommodate their travel plan changes, we are extending full waiver of change and cancellation fees for travel to/from Srinagar until 22nd May 2025, for bookings made on or before 22nd April 2025,” the airline said in a statement on X.
— IndiGo6E (@IndiGo6E)
How can Indigo customers request a refund for a cancelled flight?
Step 1: Enter PNR details
Enter your PNR/Booking reference number and Email ID/Last name. (https://www.goindigo.in/plan-b.html)
Step 2: Select change flight or cancel flight
You can change the time and/or date of your flight or cancel and process a refund.
Air India offers full refunds and rescheduling waivers for Defence Personnel
The Air India group on Wednesday said the airline will provide full refunds on cancellations and a one-time waiver on rescheduling for defence personnel holding defence fare tickets booked on Air India and Air India Express flights with travel dates up to May 31, 2025.
“Air India group is grateful for the selfless service and dedication of our military and defence personnel. In the prevailing situation, for those personnel holding defence fares who are booked on Air India and Air India Express flights till 31 May 2025, we are offering full refunds on cancellation and a one-time waiver on rescheduling flights up to 30 June 2025 to support their duty commitments,” Air India Group said in a post on X.
— DDNewslive (@DDNewslive)
How to request a refund for a flight cancelled by Air India?
In case Air India cancels your flight due to unforeseen circumstances, you have the option to do the following:
You can request a refund using the manage booking section on the website or app. Or reschedule your flight by, going to the self-service re-accommodation option on the website, OR
Clicking on the reschedule link sent to your registered email along with the intimation for the flight cancellation.\
SpiceJet cancels flights until May 10; Airline offers full refund
SpiceJet confirmed that its flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar are cancelled till 5:29 AM on May 10, 2025, and the airline has announced a complete refund policy for passengers to avail.
“The affected passengers can opt for a full refund or an alternate flight (as per availability) through http://changes.spicejet.com or via our 24/7 customer care helpline +91 (0)124 4983410/+91 (0)124 7101600,” SpiceJet said on X.
— flyspicejet (@flyspicejet)
Passengers are requested to check their flight status on the SpiceJet website or mobile app before heading to the airport.
“Due to the ongoing situation, our flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla & Amritsar are cancelled till 0529 hrs 10th May ’25. Please visit our website or log in to our mobile app to check your flight status before leaving for airport,” SpiceJet stated on social media X.
How to apply for refund in SpiceJet
If your flight has been cancelled, preponed by 60 minutes or more, or postponed by 120 minutes or more, you are eligible to either choose an alternate flight at no additional cost or request a full refund. To proceed, simply enter your Confirmation Number (PNR) (https://changes.spicejet.com/index.html#/) and your registered Email ID or Last Name to check your eligibility and select your preferred option and click on ‘Retrieve Booking’.
