SRINAGAR, Mar 27: Flight operations at Srinagar airport will be restricted between 8 am to 5 pm from April 6 as the Indian Air Force has to undertake runway upgrade which is expected to continue through the summer months.
At present, around 60 flights, including arrivals and departures, operate daily between 8 am and 10 pm at the airport. However, as per a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force, operational hours for scheduled flights will be temporarily restricted until 5 pm starting from April 6 due to ongoing runway works.
“While the watch hours will be reduced, flight movements are expected to increase in line with the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)-approved summer schedule. Airlines will plan and operate flights accordingly within the revised timings,” Srinagar airport said on X.
“Airports Authority of India remains committed to ensuring safe, efficient, and seamless travel. Passengers are advised to stay updated through official channels and avoid unverified information.”
The authorities didn’t mention as to how long the restriction would remain, but an official privy to the development said the upgradation work at the airport may continue till autumn.
An official said the runway strengthening work is a routine process carried out every 10-15 years and it improve the runway surface.
The development in the beginning of tourism season has triggered concern among stakeholders, who fear the reduced operating window will impact tourist arrivals.
Travel industry representatives said fewer flights could also lead to higher airfares, discouraging tourists.
Tourism players said the sector is still recovering after last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam that severely affected tourist arrivals.
“Despite negative media publicity post Pahalgam and the impact of West Asia war , we have been witnessing significant footfalls in Kashmir, but the restrictions at Srinagar airport will certainly have an impact . We hope and expect the restrictions are done away with soon and no flight cancellations happen in between,” Travel Agents Association of Kashmir president Farooq Kuthoo said.
With the spring tourism season beginning and the opening of the Tulip Garden attracting visitors, stakeholders have urged authorities to increase flight frequency within the restricted hours to minimise the impact on Kashmir’s tourism industry.
