Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 2

Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport will be suspended for the first 15 days of October as part of an ongoing runway upgrade programme, airport authorities said, extending disruptions that have already affected air travel during the summer season.

The announcement comes a day after authorities confirmed that the airport would remain closed two days a week between July and September to facilitate runway resurfacing work.

Airport Director Javed Anjum said the latest phase of repairs would require a complete suspension of air traffic operations during the first fortnight of October.

“In addition to the twice-weekly closures during July, August and September, flight operations will remain suspended for 15 days in the first half of October due to runway repairs,” Anjum said.

The extended shutdown is expected to affect travellers, including tourists and residents, and has raised concerns within Kashmir’s tourism industry ahead of the autumn travel season.

Industry representatives said stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the decision was taken.

The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) said prolonged disruptions at the airport could adversely affect tourist arrivals during one of the region’s busiest travel periods.

According to an Indian Air Force communication issued in February to the Airports Authority of India and airlines operating services to Srinagar, the airport was originally scheduled to remain closed every Saturday and Sunday from August 1 to October 15 for resurfacing work.

Airport officials later revised the schedule, confirming that the weekly closures would instead take place on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The runway upgrade programme has already led to restrictions on flight operations. Under a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force, operational hours at the airport were curtailed from April through July, with scheduled flights permitted only until 5 pm each day.

Before the restrictions were introduced, Srinagar airport handled around 60 daily flight movements, including arrivals and departures, operating between 8 am and 10 pm.

The ongoing runway works have also coincided with logistical challenges, including delays in the transportation of baggage belonging to Hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.

Authorities say the resurfacing project is aimed at improving operational safety and infrastructure at the airport.