Srinagar Airport to Suspend Operations for Two Weeks from October 1, Traders Voice Concerns

Srinagar, Jun 2: Air connectivity to Kashmir is set to face a temporary disruption later this year as Srinagar International Airport prepares for an extensive runway rehabilitation programme scheduled for October. Authorities have announced that all commercial flight operations will remain suspended for 15 days, from October 1 to October 15, to facilitate critical infrastructure work aimed at enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency.

The announcement has generated concern among stakeholders in the Valley’s tourism and hospitality sectors, who fear the timing of the closure could adversely affect business activity during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The first half of October typically witnesses a surge in tourist arrivals, particularly from eastern India, as families take advantage of festive holidays to visit Kashmir.

Airport authorities said the maintenance project is part of a larger modernization effort intended to improve runway conditions and ensure long-term operational reliability. Officials emphasized that the repairs are necessary to maintain safety standards and support future growth in passenger traffic.

Preparatory work for the project will begin well before the complete suspension of services. As part of the maintenance schedule, airport operations are expected to face periodic interruptions from July onward, with flights affected on designated days each week to accommodate engineering activities.

The infrastructure upgrade follows ongoing restrictions that have already altered normal flight schedules. Operational hours at the airport have been reduced in recent months due to technical requirements linked to the maintenance programme, limiting the number of flights that can be handled each day.

Tourism industry representatives have expressed apprehension over the possible economic consequences of the temporary shutdown. Hotel owners, travel agencies, transport operators, and small businesses catering to visitors believe the interruption could result in booking cancellations and reduced tourist spending across the region.

Many stakeholders argue that October is a crucial month for the tourism economy, with thousands of visitors arriving to experience Kashmir’s autumn landscape and participate in holiday travel plans. Industry groups have called for a review of the maintenance timeline or the exploration of alternative arrangements that could minimize disruption.

Business associations have also highlighted the broader economic implications, noting that tourism supports a significant number of livelihoods throughout the Valley. Reduced accessibility during a peak travel window could impact revenue generation for a wide range of sectors connected to the visitor economy.

Despite these concerns, aviation authorities maintain that the runway work cannot be postponed indefinitely, citing the importance of preserving infrastructure quality and ensuring safe aircraft operations. Officials have assured travellers and industry stakeholders that every effort will be made to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

The planned upgrade is expected to strengthen the airport’s operational capabilities and support future expansion requirements. Once completed, the improved runway infrastructure is anticipated to enhance efficiency, accommodate growing passenger demand, and contribute to the long-term development of air transport services in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the closure period approaches, tourism operators are likely to seek alternative travel arrangements for visitors, while authorities continue discussions on mitigating the impact of the temporary suspension on the region’s economy.