Srinagar, June 1: The Srinagar International Airport will observe a twice-weekly closure for passenger flight operations on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout July, August, and September to facilitate ongoing runway repair works.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the revised schedule comes amid ongoing runway resurfacing efforts at the airport, which previously led to temporary disruptions for Hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.
According to Javed Anjum, Director of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Srinagar, the airport will be non-operational for flights on these specific days. “We have received communication that due to runway repair works, passenger flight operations will be suspended on every Monday and Tuesday during July, August and September,” Anjum stated.
This latest announcement revises an earlier communication issued in February by the Indian Air Force. That notice had indicated a closure of the airport on Saturdays and Sundays from August 1 to October 15, also for resurfacing work. However, airport officials have now confirmed the shift in operational suspension days.
The runway repair initiative at Srinagar International Airport has been ongoing in phases. Earlier, flight operations were curtailed between April and July to accommodate these necessary maintenance activities. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from the Indian Air Force had stipulated that runway works commencing in early April would temporarily limit operational hours for scheduled flights until 5 pm daily from April 6 to July 31. This information was also disseminated by the AAI Srinagar through its official X handle.
Prior to the current operational hour restrictions, the airport typically handled approximately 60 flight movements, encompassing both arrivals and departures, each day between 8 am and 10 pm. Despite the reduction in daily operational hours to conclude by 5 pm, the airport has managed to maintain or even increase the number of flights operating within the revised timeframe.
Currently, Srinagar Airport facilitates between 35 to 40 flight arrivals on a daily basis. Airport authorities had previously indicated that while the ‘watch hours’ for operations have been reduced, flight movements were anticipated to align with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved Summer Schedule. Airlines are expected to plan and operate their flight schedules within the newly designated timings.
A final decision regarding airport operations beyond the September closure period will be determined at a later date, officials added.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
