Srinagar: Srinagar International Airport will remain closed for flight operations every Monday and Tuesday from July through September this year as authorities undertake major runway repair and resurfacing works, officials said on Monday.
Srinagar Airport Director Javed Anjum said that passenger flight operations will be suspended twice a week beginning July 1 following communication received regarding the runway maintenance programme.
“Due to runway repair works, passenger flight operations will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday during July, August and September,” Anjum said.
The closure schedule has been revised from an earlier plan under which the airport was proposed to remain shut on Saturdays and Sundays between August 1 and October 15. The latest decision replaces the weekend closure with Monday-Tuesday suspension of operations.
The development comes amid ongoing runway maintenance works that have already affected airport operations, including complications related to the transportation of baggage of returning Haj pilgrims.
Earlier, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force had restricted operational hours at Srinagar Airport till July 31, limiting scheduled flight movements to the period between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to facilitate repair works.
Despite reduced operational hours, flight traffic has largely remained stable. Srinagar Airport currently handles around 35 to 40 flight arrivals daily, with airlines adjusting schedules in accordance with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved summer timetable.
Authorities said airlines have been informed about the revised closure schedule and are expected to modify their operations accordingly during the three-month maintenance period.
As per the average passenger traffic at Srinagar Airport, approximately two lakh passengers are likely to be affected by the scheduled closure during the three-month period. (JKNS)
