Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised its citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan and India’s union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in light of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
In a statement issued on May 7, the MFA cited the “volatile security situation between the two countries” and urged Singaporeans currently in either country to remain vigilant, especially near border regions.
“Travellers should avoid large gatherings, monitor local news closely, follow the instructions of local authorities, and register their presence with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg,” the ministry advised.
The advisory follows a sharp rise in hostilities after Indian airstrikes on suspected terror targets inside Pakistan, which in turn prompted cross-border shelling and retaliatory rhetoric from Islamabad.
Fears of further escalation have triggered widespread disruptions, especially to travel and aviation operations across northern India.
India has closed 27 major airports in its north, west and central regions until May 9. These include key civilian hubs such as Srinagar, Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Jaisalmer, Rajkot, Bhuj and Gwalior.
The closures also affect smaller cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, and Bhatinda, paralysing regional connectivity.
Additionally, India has restricted about 25 international flight corridors that typically allow aircraft to cross into Pakistani airspace. This has forced airlines operating between South and Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe to reroute, increasing travel times and causing delays.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport confirmed that all four runways and terminals remained operational, but cautioned passengers about possible disruptions. “There has been impact on some flights due to changing airspace conditions. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates and alternate travel arrangements,” the airport said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport issued a similar alert, citing the closure of certain airports and airspace restrictions as reasons for potential schedule changes.
