Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Srinagar International Airport will remain closed twice a week from July to September this year as part of ongoing runway repair and resurfacing works, airport authorities have confirmed.
According to Javed Anjum, Director of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Srinagar, all passenger flight operations will be suspended every Monday and Tuesday during July, August and September.
“We have received communication that due to runway repair works, passenger flight operations will remain suspended on every Monday and Tuesday during the three-month period,” Anjum said.
The announcement comes at a time when runway maintenance activities have already affected airport operations, including complications related to the baggage handling of Hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, a communication issued by the Indian Air Force in February to the Airports Authority of India and airlines operating flights to Srinagar had proposed the closure of the airport on Saturdays and Sundays from August 1 to October 15 for runway resurfacing work. However, airport authorities have now revised the schedule.
“Instead of weekends, the airport will remain closed every Monday and Tuesday beginning July 1 and continuing through September,” a senior airport official said.
The official added that a decision regarding airport operations beyond September will be taken based on the progress of the ongoing works.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force had earlier stated that runway repair works commencing in the first week of April would also result in restricted operational hours. Consequently, scheduled flight operations have been limited to the period between 8 am and 5 pm from April 6 to July 31.
Before the restrictions were imposed, Srinagar Airport handled approximately 60 flight movements, including arrivals and departures, daily between 8 am and 10 pm. Despite the reduced operational window, airport authorities said the number of flights has largely remained stable and, in some instances, increased in line with seasonal demand.
At present, the airport handles nearly 35 to 40 flight arrivals every day.
The Airports Authority of India has stated that airlines are expected to adjust their schedules in accordance with the revised operating hours and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved Summer Schedule.
Authorities have advised passengers to stay updated with their respective airlines regarding flight schedules and possible changes during the runway upgradation period.
