Maintenance work to begin in phases from July
Travel, hospitality stakeholders fear losses during peak tourist season
Srinagar: Air connectivity to Kashmir is set to face major disruption later this year as Srinagar International Airport will remain completely shut for 15 days from October 1 to October 15 to facilitate critical runway maintenance and repair works, officials said on Tuesday.
The planned closure comes at a time when the Valley witnesses a significant influx of tourists, particularly from West Bengal during the Durga Puja holidays, raising concerns among tourism and travel industry stakeholders over potential cancellations and financial losses.
According to airport authorities, the maintenance programme will be implemented in phases. Beginning in July, flight operations will remain suspended for two days every week to facilitate preparatory work, culminating in a complete shutdown of airport operations for a fortnight in October.
Officials said the runway repair project is necessary to ensure operational safety and maintain aviation standards. They added that restrictions on flight operations have already been in place since April following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force.
As part of the ongoing restrictions, the airport’s operational window has been significantly reduced. Flights are currently operating only between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, compared to the earlier extended schedule that allowed flight operations until late evening.
The announcement has triggered concern among hoteliers, tour operators and other stakeholders linked to the tourism sector, who fear the closure could adversely affect visitor arrivals during one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year.
Industry representatives said thousands of tourists traditionally visit Kashmir during the Durga Puja holidays, with travellers from West Bengal constituting a major segment of the seasonal tourist flow. They warned that the suspension of air services could lead to booking cancellations and impact businesses dependent on tourism.
Javid Ahmad, who is the member of Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), said the shutdown could impact thousands of bookings made for the autumn tourism season.
“October is among the peak tourist months in Kashmir, especially because of the autumn season and Durga Puja holidays. A complete closure of the airport for 15 days is likely to result in cancellations and financial losses for tour operators, hoteliers, transporters and other stakeholders linked to tourism,” he said.
A senior tour operator in Srinagar said uncertainty over flight schedules could discourage potential visitors from finalizing travel plans.
“The tourism sector has only recently started recovering. Any prolonged disruption in air connectivity directly impacts hotel occupancy, transport services, handicraft sales and other tourism-related businesses. We hope authorities will take the concerns of stakeholders into account,” he said.
Industry representatives have urged the government and airport authorities to hold consultations with tourism stakeholders and put in place measures to reduce the impact of the temporary closure on the local economy.
