India-Pakistan Tensions Devastate Northern Tourism: 90% of Bookings Cancelled
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Summary: India witnessed a 90% decline in the North Indian Tourism after India's Operation Sindoor.
The travel and tourism industry in Northern India was significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which included India's attacks on active terrorist camps situated in Pakistan and regions of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
According to travel agencies, over 90% of bookings to destinations including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab have been cancelled. This drop is linked to increased security concerns and extensive flight cancellations.
Travel plans were severely disrupted when airports in northern cities, such as Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar, were closed to civilian aircraft until May 10. Airlines are gradually resuming operations, with some flights remaining cancelled during the transition, even though 32 airports have reopened.
There has also been a sharp drop in attendance during the popular Char Dham Yatra, which attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Citing bad weather conditions and border tensions, the number of pilgrims attending the first 12 days of the 2025 Yatra dropped from 8 lakh in 2024 to 5.5 lakh.
The tourism industry is still worried even after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. Travel agencies reported that over 80% of scheduled travel has been cancelled, and the industry estimates that things won't return to normal for at least six months.
The situation highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on civilian sectors such as travel and hospitality, emphasising the need for long-term peace and security to revitalise the tourism economy.
