As of May 9, 2025, India is experiencing significant security, transportation, and environmental challenges due to escalating tensions with Pakistan, extreme weather conditions, and ongoing civil unrest. Here's an overview of the current situation:
⚠️ Security & Travel Advisory
India–Pakistan Conflict
Following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in 26 fatalities, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. India launched missile strikes on May 7 in retaliation, and Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks near Jammu airport on May 8. Both nations have engaged in heavy cross-border artillery fire, leading to civilian casualties on both sides. Over 20 northern Indian airports, including those in Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, are closed to civilian flights, and airspace to the north and northwest of Delhi remains restricted. Travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to regions within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, Jammu and Kashmir (except certain areas of Jammu and Ladakh).
Latest news & breaking headlines
Civil Defence Measures
In response to the escalating conflict, India conducted a nationwide civil defence mock drill, Operation Abhyaas, on May 7, 2025, across 244 districts. The exercise included air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, and evacuation drills, particularly in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The drill aimed to bolster civilian readiness against potential hostile threats.
🌡️ Extreme Weather Conditions
India and Pakistan are currently experiencing an ongoing heatwave that began in early April 2025. Temperatures have reached up to 48°C (118.4°F) in some areas, significantly above seasonal norms. The heatwave has placed hundreds of millions of civilians under extreme thermal stress, creating widespread health concerns and agricultural disruptions throughout the region.
✈️ Transportation Disruptions
Due to the ongoing conflict, at least 25 airports in northern and western India have been shut down until May 10, 2025. The Indian Air Force has taken control of Srinagar Airport, halting civil operations indefinitely. Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have halted flights in the region. International carriers like Air France and Lufthansa are avoiding Pakistani airspace, and several international flights have been rerouted or canceled.
🏏 Sports & Public Events
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended indefinitely due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision followed the abandonment of a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals due to a power outage at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, located near the Pakistani border. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended the tournament after consultations with franchises and other stakeholders, citing player safety.
📌 Travel Recommendations
Avoid travel to regions within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, Jammu and Kashmir (except certain areas of Jammu and Ladakh), and Manipur due to ongoing unrest.
Monitor local news and government advisories for updates on security and transportation.
Stay hydrated and take precautions against extreme heat if traveling in affected areas.
Verify flight schedules and airport operations before traveling, as many airports are currently closed or experiencing disruptions.