Indian Air Force has asked airlines to stop operations at key airports in view of the rising tensions with Pakistan. Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar,Pathankot, Dharamshala and Dehradun airports were Wednesday closed for civilian air traffic.

#Update: Due to airspace restriction, flights to/from Srinagar (SXR), Jammu (IXJ), Adampur (AIP) and Amritsar (ATQ) are affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via https://t.co/NvhsCyQeoc.

— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) February 27, 2019

"The civilian air traffic has been suspended temporarily in view of the emergency," an official of the Airport Authority of India told PTI.

While the official did not specify the nature of the emergency, it is believed the step was taken in view of an IAF jet crashing in Budgam district this morning.

#TravelUpdate. Due to airspace restrictions, flights to and from Amritsar, Srinagar, Chandigarh and Jammu are currently on hold. Customers are requested to check flight status before commencing their journey to the airport. (1/2)

— Vistara (@airvistara) February 27, 2019

Sources say J&K air space has been kept free for the air force.

Jammu and Leh airports have also been closed for civilian traffic.

The flare-up in the cross-LoC shelling, which was initiated by Pakistani troops in early hours of Wednesday has also resulted in security forces and other establishments being put on a heightened alert.

(With agency inputs)

First Published:Feb 27, 2019 11:43 AM IST