The peak summer travel season in Kashmir is set to face operational disruptions as Srinagar International Airport prepares for a major runway maintenance programme. The planned works are expected to impact airline schedules, pilgrimage travel, and visitor movement during one of the region’s busiest tourism periods.
Srinagar International Airport will suspend flight operations every Monday and Tuesday from 1 July to 30 September 2026 as part of a runway maintenance programme proposed by the Indian Air Force. Airport authorities have also proposed a complete runway shutdown from 1 October to 16 October 2026, subject to final approval.
The maintenance schedule was announced by airport authorities and is expected to affect both domestic and pilgrimage traffic during the three-month period. Airlines operating services to and from Srinagar have been informed of the proposed closure plan and are expected to adjust schedules accordingly.
The revised maintenance plan replaces an earlier proposal that considered runway closures on Saturdays and Sundays between August and October.
Weekly flight disruptions from July
According to airport authorities, passenger flight operations will remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday between July and September to facilitate runway repairs and infrastructure upgrades.
The airport currently handles between 35 and 40 aircraft movements daily and serves as the primary air gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, particularly during the peak tourism and pilgrimage season.
Prior to the maintenance announcement, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian Air Force had already imposed temporary runway restrictions, limiting flight movements between 8 am and 5 pm to facilitate ongoing works.
Despite these restrictions, airport operations have largely continued under approved schedules from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Impact on tourism and pilgrimage traffic
The maintenance programme is expected to have implications for leisure travel, corporate movement, and Haj operations. Officials estimate that nearly 200,000 passengers could be affected by the weekly closures over the three-month period.
To minimise disruptions for Haj pilgrims, alternative operational arrangements have been put in place. The return journey of Haj pilgrims operated by Akasa Air to the Srinagar embarkation point will be routed via Ahmedabad. Pilgrims will be allowed 35 kg of check-in baggage up to Ahmedabad, of which 5 kg will travel on the Ahmedabad–Srinagar sector while the remaining 30 kg will be transported separately by road to Srinagar.
Airport authorities have advised passengers to remain in contact with airlines and monitor official airport communication channels for updates on revised schedules and operational changes.
For the travel trade, the development is likely to require schedule adjustments across airline, tour operator, and destination management segments, particularly during the summer tourism season when Kashmir witnesses high visitor arrivals from across India.