Key facts
- Srinagar International Airport runway maintenance is scheduled due to its last upkeep 15 years ago.
- Partial closures will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays starting in July.
- A 15-day complete shutdown of flight operations is planned for October.
- The tourism industry is concerned about the impact on the peak Durga Puja holiday season.
- An alternative airport at Awantipora has been suggested for civilian use during closures.
- The Srinagar airport expansion project is allocated Rs 1,667 crores.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced that essential maintenance of the runway at Srinagar International Airport is necessary, as the last work was completed 15 years ago, exceeding the recommended 10-year interval.
To carry out the repairs, flight operations will be partially suspended on Mondays and Tuesdays starting in July. A more significant disruption is planned for October, when the runway will be closed for 15 days to complete the final phase of maintenance. This extended closure is expected to coincide with the peak Durga Puja holiday season, raising concerns within the tourism industry about a potential blow to the sector.
Javed Anjum, Director of AAI Srinagar airport, emphasized the necessity of safe runways for aircraft operations and stated that the authority would adhere to any government directives regarding flight schedules. In response to the potential disruption, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with the Defence Minister and Civil Aviation Minister, suggesting the use of the Awantipora IAF airport for civilian traffic during the closure period.
AAI is also undertaking an expansion project for the Srinagar airport, with an allocation of Rs 1,667 crores. This project aims to increase terminal capacity from 2.5 to 10 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and expand the terminal area from 20,000 sqm to 71,000 sqm. It will also include a multi-level car parking facility for 1,000 vehicles and is expected to be completed within four years. Additionally, plans are underway to develop a new airport link from the ring road to improve passenger access. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic and cargo handling over the past decade.