Flight operations at Srinagar Airport will resume from Tuesday, 14 May, after a five-day suspension due to urgent runway repairs. All commercial flights were halted last Thursday to facilitate the resurfacing work.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the completion of the repair work on schedule. Officials stated that test landings were successfully conducted on Monday evening.
IndiGo will be the first airline to restart commercial operations from Srinagar. Its inaugural flight is expected to land on Tuesday morning, followed by others throughout the day. All domestic carriers are preparing to resume regular services.
The temporary suspension had caused significant inconvenience to travellers, especially with the tourist season peaking in Kashmir. Airlines had either cancelled or diverted flights to Jammu and other nearby airports. Many passengers reported extended delays and last-minute travel disruptions.
Haj Flights Begin 15 May
The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir will depart on Wednesday, 15 May. The government had earlier expressed concern over the runway closure possibly affecting the Haj schedule. However, timely completion of the repairs ensured the schedule remains intact.
Haj flights from Srinagar will continue till 22 May. Over 7,000 pilgrims are expected to travel this year from the Valley.
Officials at the Haj House confirmed that the final preparations are underway. Pilgrims are being informed of their departure dates and required reporting protocols. Arrangements for medical check-ups, luggage screening, and documentation have been completed.
Tourism Sector Relief
The reopening of the airport is a relief to the local tourism sector, which had seen cancellations and booking drops over the past week. Hoteliers and travel agencies welcomed the restoration of flight operations just as summer tourism picks up.
The Civil Aviation Ministry and AAI were under pressure to complete the work before the Haj schedule began. Daily updates were shared with local authorities and airlines.
A senior official from AAI said, “Runway resurfacing was a technical requirement. We appreciate public cooperation and aim to avoid such disruptions in the future.”
Security and Weather Checks in Place
Security agencies conducted detailed inspections of the terminal and runway after completion. Weather forecasts have also been favourable, with no rain expected for the next few days, aiding the smooth resumption of flights.
Srinagar International Airport, located in Budgam district, handles thousands of passengers daily, including tourists, local commuters, and pilgrims. It is a key infrastructure hub for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
