Srinagar, July 4: In a major relief to the air travellers, Srinagar Airport on Saturday withdrew its proposed plan to suspend passenger flight operations every Monday and Tuesday, announcing that there will be no full airfield closure this year.
The proposed closure of Kashmir's only civilian airport for weeks starting in July had sparked concern in the Valley
In a post on X, Srinagar Airport said flight operations will continue on all days, with operational/watch hours from 8 am to 5 pm, while night-time runway maintenance will continue until October 2026.
Airlines will continue to update their schedules in accordance with the prevailing operational timings.
"The previously proposed NOTAM regarding full runway closure on Mondays and Tuesdays is being withdrawn," the airport said, adding that airlines will revise their schedules in line with the prevailing operational timings.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines and rely only on official sources for updates.
The clarification comes after the Airport authorities proposed two-day weekly closure from July through September triggered widespread concern in Kashmir, particularly as it coincides with the peak tourist season and the annual Amarnath Yatra.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for its prompt and positive response to the concerns raised over the proposed runway closure at Srinagar Airport, stating that the decision to suspend the closure would ensure uninterrupted air connectivity to Jammu & Kashmir and provide much-needed relief to passengers and the tourism sector.
The CM had personally taken up the matter with the Government of India to safeguard the interests of passengers, the tourism industry, trade, and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who would have been adversely affected by the proposed closure.
Expressing his appreciation, Omar said, “Grateful to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for acceding to our request and suspending the airport closure order. This closure had created a lot of difficulties for regular travellers and forced tour groups and tourists to cancel their planned visits.”
He said the decision to suspend the proposed runway closure would ensure uninterrupted air connectivity to the region, preventing disruption to travel, tourism, and economic activity.
The CM reiterated that maintaining seamless air connectivity is vital for J&K’s economy, particularly during the peak tourist season, and thanked the Government of India for responding promptly to the concerns raised by Jammu and Kashmir government.