Srinagar, June 2 (NVI): Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 to September 30 due to extensive runway repair and resurfacing works, airport authorities said on Tuesday.
Airport Director Javed Anjum said the closure is part of a planned maintenance programme aimed at upgrading the airport’s runway infrastructure.
“Passenger flight operations will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday during July, August and September due to runway repair works,” Anjum said.
The revised schedule replaces an earlier proposal under which the airport was expected to remain shut on weekends between August 1 and October 15.
The airport has already been operating under restricted timings following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force, which limited flight operations between 8 am and 5 pm till July 31 to facilitate ongoing repair work.
Despite the restrictions, Srinagar Airport continues to handle around 35 to 40 flight arrivals daily, with airlines adjusting their schedules in accordance with the summer timetable approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Officials said airlines have been informed about the revised closure schedule and are expected to make necessary adjustments to their flight operations during the maintenance period.
The temporary suspension of services is likely to impact nearly two lakh passengers over the three months, based on the airport’s average passenger traffic.
The development comes amid ongoing runway maintenance works that have also affected certain airport operations, including the movement of baggage of returning Haj pilgrims. (NVI)
