Srinagar Airport to Shut for 15 Days From Oct 1; Tourism Sector Fears Major Losses

Srinagar: Srinagar International Airport will suspend all flight operations from October 1 to October 15 for essential runway maintenance and repair work, officials said on Tuesday, raising concerns over its impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry during the peak Durga Puja holiday season.

According to officials, the shutdown is part of a phased maintenance plan that will begin in July, when airport operations will remain closed for two days every week before culminating in the 15-day closure in October.

The Valley traditionally receives a large number of tourists from West Bengal during the Durga Puja holidays, and travel operators fear the suspension of air services will trigger widespread cancellations and significant financial losses.

Officials said the runway repairs are necessary to ensure operational safety. Flight restrictions have already been in place since April 6 following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force.

As part of the ongoing engineering works, the airport’s operational window has been reduced, with flights currently operating only between 8 am and 5 pm compared to the earlier schedule extending till 10 pm.

With the closure coinciding with one of the busiest tourism periods of the year, stakeholders in the hospitality and travel sectors have urged authorities to reconsider the timing, warning that disruption of air connectivity could adversely affect the local economy. (Agencies)