Srinagar, June 2:
In a major development for air travellers, flight operations at Srinagar International Airport will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 to September 30 due to extensive runway repair and resurfacing works being undertaken at the airport.
Airport Director Javed Anjum said the decision was taken following the runway maintenance programme and that all passenger flight operations will remain halted twice a week during July, August and September. Airlines have been informed about the revised schedule and are expected to adjust their operations accordingly.
The latest plan replaces an earlier proposal under which the airport was scheduled to remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays between August and mid-October. Authorities have now revised the closure pattern to Mondays and Tuesdays for the three-month period beginning July 1.
The airport is already operating under restricted timings due to ongoing runway works. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued earlier had limited scheduled flight operations between 8 am and 5 pm until July 31 to facilitate maintenance activities.
Officials said Srinagar Airport currently handles around 35 to 40 flight arrivals daily, and despite reduced operational hours, airlines have largely maintained flight schedules in accordance with the DGCA-approved summer timetable.
The closure is expected to impact a significant number of travellers, with estimates suggesting that nearly two lakh passengers may be affected during the three-month shutdown period. The runway repair project is aimed at improving operational safety and long-term infrastructure at the airport.
The decision comes at a time when ongoing runway works have already caused operational challenges, including issues related to the transportation of baggage belonging to returning Haj pilgrims.(KNC)