SRINAGAR: Srinagar International Airport is set to observe ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ on June 15, an event dedicated to highlighting recent infrastructure upgrades, passenger-focused amenities, and future expansion projects designed to significantly enhance the travel experience and connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is organizing the day to reaffirm the airport’s commitment to providing seamless, safe, and passenger-friendly services. The event will showcase key achievements in air connectivity, tourism promotion, and infrastructure development.
The airport has experienced substantial growth in passenger traffic over the years. According to data, passenger handling rose from 2.04 million in the 2014-15 fiscal year to 4.47 million in 2024-25. However, a decline to 3.38 million passengers was noted in 2025-26, attributed partly to the Pahalgam incident.
Srinagar Airport currently offers a range of passenger amenities, including Digi Yatra, self-baggage drop facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, meet-and-greet services, electric vehicle charging stations, e-carts, a ‘Flybrary’, dedicated laptop workstations, mobile charging points, smoking lounges, and children’s play areas. A variety of shopping and dining outlets, featuring both international and regional brands, are also available.
The airport plays a crucial role in bolstering tourism by providing vital air access to numerous tourist destinations across Kashmir. This connectivity directly supports local economies, the hospitality sector, and the handicraft industry.
In the cargo sector, the airport has also recorded considerable progress. Annual cargo handling has increased from 7,000 metric tonnes to 10,500 metric tonnes over the last five years. The airport possesses an annual cargo handling capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes.
A significant development underway is the Rs 1,667 crore expansion project approved by the Government of India for Srinagar Airport. This ambitious project aims to quadruple the passenger handling capacity from the current 2.5 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 10 MPPA. The terminal area will see a substantial increase from 20,000 square metres to 71,000 square metres.
The expansion plan also includes the construction of a multi-level parking facility designed to accommodate 1,000 vehicles. The new terminal building, intended to meet international standards, will be equipped to handle 15 aircraft simultaneously. The completion of this phase is projected to take approximately four years.
Further enhancing accessibility, a new airport connectivity corridor is planned. This corridor will link the airport directly to the Ring Road, a project being coordinated with the Union Territory Administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to streamline passenger movement and improve overall accessibility to the airport.
As part of the ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ observances, a series of activities are scheduled. These include passenger welcome programs, cultural performances, cleanliness and plantation drives, health and blood donation camps, school outreach initiatives, painting competitions, aviation seminars, recognition events for female employees, and digital displays showcasing the airport’s developmental progress.
Airport authorities stated that the event underscores their ‘Passenger First’ philosophy and their dedication to continuous service improvement through innovation, the adoption of technology, and the enhancement of passenger convenience.
The Chenab Times News Desk
