15-Day Srinagar Airport Closure Plan Worries Tourism Sector

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The proposed 15-day closure of Srinagar International Airport in October for runway maintenance has triggered concern among tourism, travel and business stakeholders, who fear the move could disrupt one of Kashmir's busiest tourist seasons and hurt an economy still recovering from recent setbacks.

Airport officials said flight operations will remain suspended from October 1 to October 15 to facilitate critical runway repairs. Ahead of the complete shutdown, flight services will also be curtailed for two days every week beginning next month as part of a phased maintenance schedule.

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The repairs are part of ongoing efforts to upgrade airport infrastructure and ensure operational safety. Flight operations have already been affected since April 6 after the Indian Air Force issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), restricting aircraft movements between 8 am and 5 pm. Daily flight operations have since dropped from around 25-30 flights to about 18.

The timing of the shutdown has become a major concern for stakeholders as it coincides with the Durga Puja holiday season, when thousands of tourists, particularly from West Bengal, visit Kashmir to witness the Valley's famed autumn colours. The season is often referred to as“Golden Kashmir” because of the golden-yellow hues of Chinar leaves.

Industry representatives fear the suspension of air services could lead to widespread cancellations and financial losses for hotels, tour operators, transporters and other businesses dependent on tourism.

Hotelier Asif Burza said while airport upgrades were necessary, authorities should explore ways to minimise inconvenience to travellers and businesses.

“The repair works are important for the future, but efforts should also be made to reduce inconvenience to the public,” he said, suggesting that flight frequencies be increased before and after the closure period. He also called for greater utilisation of rail services to offset disruptions.

President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Javed Ahmad Tenga, said the government should consider alternative arrangements to limit the impact on the local economy.

“If the suspension is unavoidable, railway services should be expanded and additional trains introduced from Delhi and other major cities to maintain connectivity,” he said.

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The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) described the decision as unfortunate and said tourism stakeholders were not consulted before the schedule was finalised.

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TAAK president Farooq Kuthoo said travel operators have already begun receiving queries from tourists concerned about the disruption.

“The tourism sector is still in recovery mode after the Pahalgam attack. This closure could become another setback,” he said, urging authorities to review the timing of the maintenance work.

With the October shutdown approaching, tourism and business stakeholders are calling for a reassessment of the schedule or the introduction of alternative transport arrangements, warning that prolonged disruption to air connectivity during a peak travel period could have significant economic consequences for Kashmir.

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