Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: In a major relief for passengers, airlines and Kashmir’s tourism sector, Srinagar Airport will not face a full airfield closure this year, with authorities withdrawing the proposed Monday-Tuesday runway shutdown plan.
Airport operations will continue on all days, with operational and watch hours from 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs. Night closures, however, will continue until October 2026 as runway maintenance work proceeds.
The previously proposed Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, regarding full runway closures on Mondays and Tuesdays is being withdrawn. Airlines are expected to operate flights and revise their schedules in accordance with the updated operating hours.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport. Authorities have also urged travellers to rely only on official sources for updates, a useful reminder in a season when airport rumours can travel almost as fast as aircraft.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to the Government of India for what he described as a prompt and positive response to concerns raised by the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister had personally taken up the issue with the central government, citing the possible impact on passengers, tourism, trade and the wider economy of Jammu and Kashmir. The withdrawal of the proposed weekly closure is expected to help maintain air connectivity to the region and prevent disruption to travel and commercial activity.
Reacting to the development in Srinagar, Abdullah said, “The proposed Monday-Tuesday closure was proving very difficult for us. I had spoken to several people from the tourism sector just yesterday, and many tour groups had already started cancelling their bookings. Ever since this issue came up, I have been making continuous efforts. I spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and even raised the matter with the Prime Minister when I met him. The outcome is that, for now, the Monday-Tuesday closure has been withdrawn, which is a relief. Going forward, our effort will be to ensure that when the airport is closed in October, at least some alternate flight operations are arranged from Awantipora”
The decision comes at a critical time for Kashmir’s travel and tourism industry, which depends heavily on reliable air connectivity, particularly during peak travel periods. Any extended disruption at Srinagar Airport would have affected not only tourists but also local businesses, students, patients and residents who depend on air travel through the Valley’s key airport.
For now, the message from authorities is clear: Srinagar Airport will remain operational daily during the stated hours, airlines will adjust schedules accordingly, and passengers should verify flight details before travelling. In a region where weather and logistics already keep travellers alert, one less uncertainty on the runway will be widely welcomed.
