Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in Delhi on Friday. He proposed using the Awantipora airbase as an alternative for civilian flights during the Srinagar airport's closure in October for maintenance.
Omar pointed out that the south Kashmir airbase was used as an alternative during similar closures of Srinagar airport in 1998 and 2010. He emphasized the importance of maintaining air connectivity to the Valley during the peak tourism season. Omar also requested that the maintenance schedule be reviewed and, if feasible, shortened, phased, or shifted to a leaner travel window.
Following the meeting, Omar said the government was working on possible alternatives to minimize disruption and maintain a basic flight schedule, as had been done in the past.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to suspend operations at Srinagar airport from October 1 to 16 for runway maintenance and other repairs. The Valley traditionally witnesses a massive influx of tourists from Bengal during October, when most schools and colleges are shut for Durga Puja festivities.
