Srinagar airport to shut twice weekly from July for runway repairs, 15-day October closure planned

Srinagar International Airport will remain completely closed for all flight operations from October 1 to October 15 as authorities undertake critical runway maintenance and repair work. The shutdown is expected to affect air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir during the Durga Puja holiday period, a time when the region typically receives a large number of domestic tourists, particularly from West Bengal.

Airport authorities said the repair programme will begin in phases before the complete October shutdown. From July 1 to September 30, passenger flight operations will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday to facilitate runway maintenance and expansion work. Officials said the full closure in October is necessary because repairs will be carried out on the central section of the runway, making flight operations impossible during that period.

According to airport officials, the maintenance work is being undertaken after a gap of approximately 15 years. The runway is operated and maintained by the Indian Air Force, and authorities stated that the repairs are essential for operational safety. A Notice to Airmen issued earlier has already restricted flight operations at the airport, limiting services to between 8 am and 5 pm.

The restrictions have significantly reduced flight movement at Srinagar airport. While around 100 flights typically operate during the peak season, current operational limitations have reduced the number to fewer than 40 flights per day. The restrictions have also led to the suspension of early morning and late evening services.

The planned October closure has raised concerns among stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Travel operators fear the suspension of flights during one of the busiest holiday periods could lead to cancellations and financial losses. Officials noted that an earlier proposal had envisaged airport closures on weekends between August and October, but the maintenance schedule was later revised to suspend operations on Mondays and Tuesdays before the complete shutdown in October.