Whalesbook
The Airports Authority of India will conduct essential runway maintenance at Srinagar International Airport, starting with partial closures in July and a 15-day full shutdown in October. While necessary for safety, the timing has raised concerns in the tourism sector due to peak travel demand. The government is exploring alternative airport arrangements for the shutdown period.
What Happened
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced a phased schedule for critical runway maintenance at Srinagar International Airport. This operational update is necessary as the runway has not undergone major repairs in 15 years, exceeding the typical decade-long maintenance cycle.
Starting in July, the airport will implement partial closures every Monday and Tuesday to facilitate sectional repairs. For the remaining five days of the week, flight operations are scheduled to continue as normal. This intermittent work will lead to a complete 15-day closure in October to finalize the maintenance process.
Impact on Tourism and Travel
The scheduled 15-day shutdown in October has created concern within the local tourism industry. This timeframe overlaps with the Durga Puja holiday season, which is traditionally a peak period for tourist arrivals in the Kashmir valley. Industry stakeholders have expressed worry that the suspension of flights could lead to significant cancellations and a potential decline in tourism revenue during this critical window.
To address these disruptions, discussions are underway between local government officials, including the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Union government. A proposal has been put forward to utilize the nearby Awantipora Air Force Station for civilian flight operations during the two-week shutdown in October, should no other logistical solution be found.
Airport Development and Expansion
While the runway maintenance addresses immediate safety needs, the AAI is also focused on long-term infrastructure improvements. A major expansion project worth ₹1,667 crore is underway. This initiative is designed to scale up the airport's capacity from its current 2.5 million passengers per annum to 10 million.
The project involves significant upgrades, including increasing the terminal area from 20,000 square meters to 71,000 square meters. The new terminal is planned to meet international standards and accommodate up to 15 aircraft simultaneously. The development also includes a new multi-level parking facility for 1,000 vehicles and a new link road to improve accessibility to the airport. This expansion is targeted for completion within the next four years.
Operational Context
Srinagar Airport has experienced fluctuating traffic patterns over the years. Passenger traffic reached 4.47 million in fiscal year 2024-25, though this figure saw a temporary decline to 3.38 million in 2025-26 following security-related developments. Air cargo volumes have grown steadily, rising to 10,500 metric tons against an annual capacity of 40,000 metric tons. These figures highlight the increasing importance of the airport as a connectivity hub for the region.
What Investors and Travelers Should Track
Investors and stakeholders interested in the regional economy and travel sector should monitor several key updates. The most important monitorable is the official confirmation of the exact dates for the October shutdown and whether the government finalizes arrangements for an alternative airport. Additionally, tracking the progress of the ₹1,667 crore expansion project will be essential, as it will determine the airport's future capacity and ability to manage increasing passenger inflow once the infrastructure is completed.