Tourism – Kashmir Travel Industry Braces for Airport Runway Maintenance Disruptions
Tourism – Tourism businesses across Kashmir are expressing concern after plans were announced for scheduled maintenance work at Srinagar Airport, a development that could affect air connectivity during the peak travel season. Industry representatives fear that reduced flight availability over the coming months may lead to booking changes and impact visitor arrivals at a time when tourism in the region has been showing strong growth.
Planned Operational Changes at Srinagar Airport
According to an advisory released by Srinagar Airport authorities, runway maintenance activities are expected to be carried out between July and September 2026. As part of the proposed schedule, flight operations may remain suspended every Monday and Tuesday from July 1 through September 30. The maintenance programme is being undertaken by the Air Force as part of routine infrastructure work aimed at ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
The advisory also noted that airport operating hours during this period are expected to be limited, with watch hours proposed between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Officials have clarified that the maintenance plan remains subject to final approval and that detailed flight schedules will be communicated through official channels once all necessary clearances are completed.
Fifteen-Day Runway Closure Proposed in October
In addition to the weekly operational restrictions planned for three months, authorities have proposed a complete shutdown of runway operations from October 1 to October 16. The temporary closure is intended to facilitate repair and maintenance work that cannot be carried out while normal air traffic is in operation.
Airport officials emphasized that preparations are still in the planning phase and that airlines, passengers, and stakeholders will receive advance information regarding confirmed schedules and operational arrangements.
Tourism Sector Monitoring Possible Impact
The announcement has generated concern among tourism-related businesses, including travel agencies, hotel operators, transport providers, and tour organizers. Many stakeholders believe that limited flight availability over an extended period could influence travel decisions, especially among visitors planning short holidays to the Valley.
Industry representatives point out that air connectivity remains one of the most important factors for tourism in Kashmir. Any reduction in flight frequency, they say, could affect travel planning and potentially lead to cancellations or postponements during the maintenance period.
Strong Tourism Recovery Continues
The proposed operational changes come at a time when Kashmir’s tourism industry has been experiencing a notable resurgence. Visitor numbers have increased steadily, contributing to strong demand across major destinations in the Valley.
Recent airport traffic figures reflect this positive trend. On June 1, Srinagar Airport handled a total of 72 flights, including 36 arrivals and 36 departures. Passenger movement crossed 12,400 travelers in a single day, with more than 6,300 arriving passengers and over 6,000 departures recorded.
These figures highlight the growing popularity of Kashmir among domestic and international travelers and underline the importance of maintaining reliable transport links during the busy tourism season.
Industry Leaders Seek Smooth Coordination
Tourism associations have urged authorities to ensure effective coordination and timely communication regarding the maintenance schedule. Industry leaders believe that clear information shared well in advance can help travelers adjust plans and minimize disruption.
Sajad Ahmad Kralyari, Secretary General of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), said the tourism sector has witnessed a strong recovery in recent months. According to him, visitor numbers have risen significantly, while destinations such as Srinagar and Gulmarg are currently experiencing full occupancy levels.
Stakeholders hope that careful planning and efficient management of the maintenance programme will help reduce inconvenience for travelers while allowing essential infrastructure upgrades to be completed successfully.