Srinagar Airport Closure Proposal Sparks Tourism Anxiety

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- A proposed runway closure at Srinagar International Airport later this year has triggered concern across Kashmir's tourism industry, with stakeholders warning that the move could disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers and deal a blow to the Valley's tourism-dependent economy during the peak season.

Tourism bodies, hoteliers and travel operators have urged the authorities to put alternative arrangements in place, including the use of Awantipora airport for civilian flights and additional train services, to minimise inconvenience during the maintenance period.

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According to a proposal issued by Srinagar Airport, the runway may remain unavailable every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 to September 30, 2026, while a complete shutdown of operations has been proposed from October 1 to October 16 for maintenance work to be carried out by the Indian Air Force.

The proposed restrictions are expected to affect more than 12,000 passengers who use the airport daily during the busy summer tourism season.

Srinagar Airport currently handles an average daily footfall of over 12,000 passengers, including tourists, pilgrims, business travellers and local residents, making it one of the busiest airports in northern India during the peak travel months.

Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Chaya, said the proposed closure could have far-reaching implications for Kashmir's tourism sector if suitable alternatives are not arranged in advance.

“This decision will impact the entire tourism industry. Thousands of passengers travel through Srinagar airport every day, and any disruption during the peak season will directly affect tourism, hotels, transporters and other sectors linked with travel,” Chaya said.

He said the issue has already been taken up with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“We spoke to the Chief Minister, and he assured us that he will discuss the matter with the Prime Minister in Delhi. We are also going to meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and request him to ensure alternative arrangements,” Chaya said.

He suggested that Awantipora airport be explored as a temporary alternative for civilian flight operations until the maintenance work at Srinagar airport is completed.

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“Till the maintenance work is completed, Awantipora airport should be considered for civilian use. Besides that, more direct train services from Delhi and other major cities should be introduced to reduce inconvenience for tourists and locals,” he added.

President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Rouf Tramboo, said the proposed restrictions have already created uncertainty among travellers and tour operators.

“At present, we need an alternative airport because this is peak tourism time. A prolonged closure will create serious operational problems for tourists and travel operators,” he said.

Tramboo said travel agents are receiving frequent calls from domestic and international clients seeking clarity on their travel plans.

“We are getting calls from B2B operators and tourists asking what will happen to their travel plans and bookings. There is uncertainty among travellers, and that can affect tourist inflow if timely alternatives are not arranged,” he said.

Members of the hospitality industry echoed similar concerns, saying uninterrupted air connectivity remains critical for sustaining tourism activity in the Valley.

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Mukhtar Ahmad, a hotelier from Srinagar, said even temporary disruptions in flight operations could affect hotel occupancy, advance bookings and livelihoods associated with the sector.

“Hotels and tourism businesses rely heavily on flight connectivity. Even a temporary disruption can impact bookings, occupancy and employment associated with tourism activities,” he said.

Gowhar, a houseboat owner at Dal Lake, said small tourism-dependent families could bear the brunt of any decline in tourist arrivals.

“Most tourists prefer air travel to Kashmir. If flights are affected, houseboat bookings and tourism activities will also decline. Thousands of families linked with tourism may suffer financially,” he said.

Stakeholders have urged the administration and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to finalise contingency plans well in advance to minimise inconvenience to passengers and ensure that Kashmir's tourism sector remains unaffected during one of its most crucial travel seasons. (inputs from KNO)

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