Srinagar: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced an extensive runway maintenance programme at Srinagar International Airport, saying the work is essential for flight safety and cannot be delayed indefinitely. The decision, however, has sparked concerns among tourism stakeholders and political leaders because part of the maintenance schedule coincides with the busy Durga Puja holiday season.

According to AAI officials, the runway's last major maintenance work was carried out nearly 15 years ago. Airport authorities noted that runways typically require significant maintenance every 10 years to ensure safe aircraft operations.

Why is the runway being repaired?

AAI Srinagar Director Javed Anjum said the runway has reached a stage where comprehensive maintenance is necessary to maintain safety standards.

"Every runway needs maintenance. Here, the last maintenance was done 15 years ago. Maintenance of a runway is necessary every 10 years," Anjum said while explaining the decision.

The maintenance programme will begin with partial work every Monday and Tuesday from July onwards. During these two days, runway sections will be repaired in phases, while flight operations will continue normally during the remaining days of each week.

However, the final stage of the project is expected to require a complete shutdown of flight operations for approximately 15 days in October.

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Why are tourism stakeholders worried?

The proposed October closure has triggered concern within Kashmir's tourism sector because it overlaps with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Tourism operators fear that suspending flights during the festive holiday season could affect tourist arrivals and impact businesses that depend heavily on visitors travelling to the Valley.

The concerns come as Kashmir's tourism industry continues efforts to recover following recent disruptions, including the impact on travel sentiment after the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.

Omar Abdullah proposes alternative solution

Seeking to minimise disruption, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.

Abdullah suggested opening the strategically important Awantipora airbase in south Kashmir for civilian operations during the shutdown period. The proposal aims to provide an alternative gateway for passengers while runway work is carried out in Srinagar.

AAI officials indicated they would comply with any directions issued by the government regarding flight operations or changes to the maintenance schedule.

Passenger traffic and cargo growth

Despite recent challenges, Srinagar Airport has witnessed substantial long-term growth in passenger traffic.

According to airport data, annual passenger numbers increased from 2.04 million in 2014-15 to 4.47 million in 2024-25. Passenger traffic, however, declined to 3.38 million in 2025-26 following disruptions linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Cargo operations have also expanded significantly, with annual cargo handling increasing from 7,000 metric tonnes to 10,500 metric tonnes over the past five years. The airport currently has the capacity to handle up to 40,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually.

Major expansion project underway

Alongside runway maintenance, Srinagar Airport is preparing for a major infrastructure expansion.

The Centre has approved an investment of Rs 1,667 crore for airport development. The project aims to increase passenger handling capacity from 2.5 million passengers annually to 10 million passengers annually.

The terminal area is expected to expand from 20,000 square metres to 71,000 square metres, while a new multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating 1,000 vehicles will also be constructed.

Officials say the upgraded airport will be capable of handling up to 15 aircraft simultaneously and will meet international standards. The project is expected to be completed within four years.

Additionally, authorities are planning a new airport access road linked to the ring road network, which is expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel time for passengers.
(With PTI inputs)