Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi. During the meeting, he requested a shorter closure of Srinagar International Airport for maintenance scheduled from October 1 to October 16. Abdullah emphasized the need for uninterrupted air connectivity during the peak tourism season and suggested reviewing the maintenance schedule to minimize disruptions.
Abdullah’s office shared that he proposed the operation of a limited number of civilian flights from Awantipora Air Base during the closure period. This initiative aims to ensure continuous connectivity for residents, tourists, and businesses. The airport authorities have already announced the suspension of flight operations on Mondays and Tuesdays starting July 1. Furthermore, the airport will be completely closed for flight operations from October 1 to 16 for essential runway maintenance.
Srinagar International Airport, situated in Budgam district about 12 km south of Srinagar, serves as the summer capital of the union territory. Owned by the Indian Air Force, the airport operates a civil enclave managed by the Airports Authority of India. Established in 1979, the airport obtained international status in 2005, featuring an integrated domestic and international terminal with a single asphalt runway.
The local tourism industry heavily relies on air travel, especially for high-end tourists visiting Kashmir throughout the year. The absence of air travel facilities would significantly impact the tourism sector’s sustainability, as affluent tourists predominantly prefer flying to the region.
