Tourism stakeholders fear setback as Srinagar airport faces bi-weekly closure

Srinagar, June 1: The decision to suspend passenger flight operations at Srinagar International Airport for two days every week between July and September due to runway resurfacing has triggered concern among Kashmir’s tourism and travel stakeholders, who fear the move could disrupt the Valley’s peak tourism season and impact visitor arrivals.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has confirmed that Srinagar Airport will remain closed every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 until the end of September to facilitate runway repair works. Industry representatives warn that the move could lead to booking cancellations, travel inconvenience and financial losses for tourism-dependent businesses.

Also Read | Srinagar airport to remain closed for flights every Monday and Tuesday from July to September

Director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Srinagar, Javed Anjum, told Greater Kashmir the airport authorities had received official communication regarding the closure schedule.

The development comes at a time when Kashmir’s tourism sector has been showing signs of recovery after a difficult period, with stakeholders saying tourist arrivals had started improving in recent weeks.

President of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, said the timing of the decision could adversely affect the sector just as it was regaining momentum.

“Tourism was picking up, and this directive will derail the momentum. We urge the government and concerned authorities to explore alternative ways of carrying out the work,” Chaya said.

He said the closure of the Valley’s only civilian airport for two days every week would significantly affect travel plans for both tourists and residents.

“The airport is the primary air link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. Shutting it down for two days every week will have a serious impact. Instead of a complete closure, authorities should consider a time-window arrangement that allows flights to operate while repair works continue,” he said.

President of the Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), Muhammad Ibrahim Siah, termed the decision unfortunate and said tourism stakeholders were not consulted before the schedule was finalised.

“It is unfortunate that such a decision has been taken without consulting stakeholders. Tourism will be badly affected because if the airport remains closed for two out of seven days, cancellations are inevitable and passenger traffic will be concentrated on the remaining operational days,” Siah said.

He said Srinagar Airport already faces infrastructure and capacity constraints and may struggle to handle increased passenger traffic on the remaining days.

“Our airport infrastructure is not equipped to handle excessive rush on limited operational days. This decision will create inconvenience for travellers and may discourage potential visitors,” he said.

Travel agent Farah Rashid also expressed concern over the impact on tour planning and visitor confidence, saying travel businesses had already begun receiving queries from worried customers.

“Many tourists plan short trips to Kashmir, and fixed-day airport closures can disrupt itineraries. There is a real possibility of cancellations and postponements, especially among family and group travellers who rely on flexible flight schedules,” Rashid said.

She said travel operators would also face logistical challenges in rescheduling bookings.

“Travel agents will have to rearrange flights, hotel bookings and local transportation according to the airport schedule. This will increase costs and create inconvenience for both tourists and operators,” she added.

Notably, an earlier communication issued by the Indian Air Force in February to the Airports Authority of India and airlines operating to Srinagar had proposed the closure of airport operations on Saturdays and Sundays from August 1 to October 15 for resurfacing works. However, airport officials have confirmed that the schedule has since been revised.

“Instead of weekends, the airport will remain closed every Monday and Tuesday for three months beginning July 1,” an airport official said, adding that a decision regarding airport operations beyond September would be taken at a later stage.

Tourism stakeholders have urged authorities to reconsider the closure schedule or adopt a phased approach to the repair works to minimise disruption during one of Kashmir’s most important travel seasons. They warned that prolonged interruptions in air connectivity could adversely affect tourist arrivals, hotel occupancy and the wider network of businesses dependent on the tourism industry.