Jodhpur Airport to Suspend All Civil Flight Operations for Nearly a Month
In a significant development for air travel in Rajasthan, civil flight operations at Jodhpur airport will remain completely suspended for nearly a month. This suspension follows the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for essential runway recarpeting work.
Official Timeline and Impact on Travel
According to the official NOTAM, all commercial flight operations at Jodhpur airport will be halted from 6:30 PM on March 29 to 6:30 PM on April 27. A NOTAM is a critical official communication issued to pilots, airlines, and aviation authorities to inform them in advance about changes, maintenance work, or restrictions at an airport or in airspace.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) clarified on March 15 via its official social media handle that Jodhpur airport operates as a civil enclave, while the runway is under the control of the IAF. This joint-user facility means both the IAF airbase and civil aviation share the same runway infrastructure.
Phased Recarpeting Plan and Operational Details
The runway recarpeting project, which was originally scheduled to begin on March 1 but faced delays, will be carried out in three distinct phases with completion targeted by May. The runway was last repaired approximately seven years ago, making this maintenance crucial for safety and operational efficiency.
In the first phase, about one-third of the runway will be closed. This partial closure will allow limited operations of smaller aircraft such as the Airbus A320, while larger aircraft like the A321 will not be able to operate during this period.
The second phase is considered the most critical, as work will focus on the central portion of the runway. This will lead to a complete shutdown of operations and the suspension of all civil flights, directly impacting the nearly month-long closure period.
In the final phase, work will be carried out on the remaining section of the runway, allowing for a partial resumption of services before full operations are restored.
Current Flight Operations and Airline Response
At present, Jodhpur Airport handles regular flights to major Indian cities including:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Pune
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Ahmedabad
The airport typically manages around 14 daily departures, accounting for 28 total movements. Following the issuance of the NOTAM, major airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have proactively suspended bookings for flights operating after March 28. This precautionary measure aims to prevent passenger inconvenience and logistical complications.
The extended closure underscores the importance of infrastructure maintenance in aviation while highlighting the coordinated efforts between civil aviation authorities and the Indian Air Force to ensure long-term operational safety and efficiency at this key regional airport.
