Srinagar, June 2: Air travel through Srinagar International Airport will be affected for three months as authorities begin extensive runway renovation work. Officials have announced that flight operations will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday from July through September.
Airport officials said the temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out major repair and resurfacing work on the runway. The revised plan will come into effect from July 1, with airlines expected to adjust their schedules accordingly.
The new arrangement replaces an earlier proposal that suggested weekend closures between August and mid-October. Instead, authorities have opted for a Monday-Tuesday suspension each week to facilitate the maintenance project.
Runway work has already impacted certain airport activities, including the handling of luggage for Haj pilgrims returning to Kashmir. In addition, operational hours at the airport remain restricted until July 31, with flights currently permitted only between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. under existing aviation notices.
Despite these limitations, flight movement at the airport has continued without major disruption. Srinagar Airport presently handles around 35 to 40 arrivals daily, while airlines have been modifying schedules in line with approved summer operations.
Officials said all carriers have been informed about the upcoming closure schedule and are expected to make the necessary adjustments during the maintenance period.
Based on current passenger traffic figures, authorities estimate that nearly 200,000 travelers could be affected by the temporary twice-weekly suspension of flight services over the next three months.
