Srinagar International Airport will suspend flight operations for 15 days from October 1 to October 15 to undergo critical runway maintenance and repair work, airport officials announced on Tuesday.
Impact on Tourism
The two-week shutdown is expected to adversely affect Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector as it coincides with the peak Durga Puja holiday season. This period typically sees a large influx of tourists, particularly from West Bengal.
Phased Maintenance Schedule
According to officials, the maintenance work will be carried out in phases. Starting in July, airport operations will be closed for two days every week, culminating in the full 15-day closure from October 1 to October 15. The phased schedule is designed to minimize disruption while ensuring essential repairs are completed.
Airport officials emphasized that the runway repairs are essential for operational safety. Flight restrictions have already been in place since April 6 following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force.
Current Operational Constraints
The ongoing engineering work has significantly reduced the airport's operational window. Currently, flights operate only between 8 am and 5 pm, a sharp reduction from the previous schedule of 7 pm to 10 pm. This has already caused inconvenience to passengers and airlines.
Concerns from Hospitality Sector
With the October closure approaching, hospitality and travel stakeholders are urging authorities to reconsider the timeline. They argue that a prolonged suspension of air connectivity during the festive season could severely impact the local tourism-driven economy. The region relies heavily on tourist arrivals during this period, and the shutdown may lead to cancellations and revenue losses.
The Times of India City Desk, a team of journalists dedicated to covering urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, provided this report with inputs from PTI.
