Dhaka, May 10 -- The Indian government has suspended civilian flight operations at 32 airports in northern and western regions of the country until May 15, amid intensifying hostilities with Pakistan.

The shutdown affects airports in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and the India-administered portion of Kashmir, according to a Xinhua report Saturday.

"The Airports Authority of India and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations," said a statement from India's Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The conflict has been escalating since Wednesday, followi...