Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the Central Government to take measures to ensure uninterrupted air connectivity during the proposed maintenance-related closure of Srinagar Airport. The issue was raised during his meetings with Union ministers responsible for defence and civil aviation, where he highlighted the potential impact of reduced flight operations on tourism, trade, and public travel.
According to official information, Srinagar Airport is expected to undergo maintenance work that will require temporary operational restrictions. In addition, the airport is scheduled to remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until September 30 to facilitate the planned maintenance activities. The development has raised concerns among stakeholders who depend on regular air services for business, tourism, healthcare, and personal travel.
During discussions with the Union ministers, Abdullah stressed that Jammu and Kashmir's economy relies significantly on tourism and related industries. Any prolonged disruption in air services could affect visitor arrivals and create challenges for local businesses that depend on steady tourist traffic throughout the year.
To address the issue, Abdullah proposed the possibility of operating limited civilian flights from the Awantipora Air Base during the maintenance period. He suggested that such an arrangement could help reduce inconvenience for passengers while ensuring that the region remains connected to major cities across India.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that uninterrupted air connectivity is particularly important for residents who rely on flights for medical travel, education, employment, and other essential purposes. Given Jammu and Kashmir's geographical location and terrain, air transport remains one of the most important modes of connectivity for many travelers.
Industry representatives and tourism stakeholders have also emphasized the need for alternative arrangements during the maintenance period. The tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the region's economy, has witnessed steady growth in recent years. Any major disruption to transportation infrastructure could impact travel plans and business operations during the peak tourism season.
Officials are expected to examine possible solutions that balance operational requirements with passenger convenience. While airport maintenance is considered essential for ensuring safety and infrastructure efficiency, authorities are also exploring ways to minimize disruption to travelers.
The proposal to utilize Awantipora Air Base for limited civilian operations is among the options being discussed. However, any such arrangement would require coordination between civil aviation authorities, defence officials, and airport management agencies before implementation.
As maintenance work progresses, travelers are advised to stay updated through official aviation and airport announcements regarding flight schedules and operational changes. Further decisions on alternative connectivity arrangements are expected following consultations between the concerned ministries and regional authorities.
The matter remains under discussion, with the Jammu and Kashmir administration continuing to advocate for practical solutions that ensure smooth transportation links while necessary airport infrastructure upgrades are carried out.