Jodhpur Airport to Suspend All Commercial Flights for Nearly a Month
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) announcing the complete suspension of commercial flights at Jodhpur Airport for almost a month. This closure, set from 6:30 PM on March 29 to 6:30 PM on April 27, will significantly disrupt air connectivity to and from this key city in Rajasthan.
Runway Resurfacing After Seven Years
This marks the first major resurfacing of Jodhpur Airport's runway in approximately seven years. Initially scheduled to begin on March 1, the work was delayed and will now proceed in phases, with completion expected by May. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that the airport operates as a civil enclave, with the runway owned and operated by the IAF, placing all technical and operational decisions under military jurisdiction.
Three-Phase Construction Plan
The runway upgrade will be executed in three distinct stages:
- Phase One: Approximately one-third of the runway will be closed. During this period, small aircraft like the Airbus A320 may operate, but larger aircraft such as the A321 will be unable to due to insufficient runway length.
- Phase Two: This critical phase involves repairs on the central part of the runway, leading to a full closure and complete halt of all civil flight operations.
- Phase Three: Work will continue on the remaining runway section, allowing for a partial resumption of flight operations.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
Currently, Jodhpur is connected to seven major cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad—with around 14 daily flights (28 movements). In response to the NOTAM, airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have suspended bookings for flights after March 28. This closure will affect thousands of passengers, temporarily isolating the city during a peak travel period.
Summer Schedule Disrupted
Typically, airlines roll out their summer schedules starting March 31. However, due to the shutdown, Jodhpur's summer schedule will only take effect from April 28. Even then, flight frequency is expected to drop significantly, with services to two or three destinations likely discontinued and overall operations reduced by nearly half. This represents a setback for Jodhpur's aviation network, particularly during high-demand seasons.
Strategic Importance and Joint Use Facility
Jodhpur Airport is a joint-use facility, shared by military and civil aircraft. The runway's technical requirements for military aircraft, especially fighter jets, are stricter than for civilian planes. Its strategic location near India's western border adds to its significance, prompting the IAF to prioritize maintenance over civilian needs.
Similar Closures at Other Airports
Jodhpur is not alone in facing runway upgrades at IAF-operated facilities. Srinagar Airport is likely to shut completely for three weeks in October 2026, while Pune Airport might close for eight days, though dates are unconfirmed. Adampur Airport may also experience similar shutdowns. These closures highlight common challenges for airports shared between military and civilian use.
The suspension underscores the balancing act between national security infrastructure and public air travel, with temporary disruptions aimed at long-term operational safety and efficiency.
