The peak of the tourist season is about to come as the tourism stakeholders await with a shimmering hope yet the news of airport closure has raised apprehensions that it could bleak the approaching tourist season with many preferring alternate destinations.
The proposed 15-day closure of Srinagar airport in October for runway maintenance has triggered concern among tourism, travel and business stakeholders, who fear the move could disrupt one of Kashmir’s busiest tourist seasons and hurt an economy still recovering from recent setbacks.
Airport officials said flight operations will remain suspended from October 1 to October 15 to facilitate critical runway repairs. Ahead of the complete shutdown, flight services will also be curtailed for two days every week beginning next month as part of a phased maintenance schedule.
The repairs are part of ongoing efforts to upgrade airport infrastructure and ensure operational safety. Flight operations have already been affected since April 6 after the Indian Air Force issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), restricting aircraft movements between 8 am and 5 pm. Daily flight operations have since dropped from around 25-30 flights to about 18.
The timing of the shutdown has become a major concern for stakeholders as it coincides with the Durga Puja holiday season, when thousands of tourists, particularly from West Bengal, visit Kashmir to witness the Valley’s famed autumn colours. The season is often referred to as “Golden Kashmir” because of the golden-yellow hues of Chinar leaves.
Industry representatives fear the suspension of air services could lead to widespread cancellations and financial losses for hotels, tour operators, transporters and other businesses dependent on tourism.
Hotelier Asif Burza said while airport upgrades were necessary, authorities should explore ways to minimise inconvenience to travellers and businesses.
“The repair works are important for the future, but efforts should also be made to reduce inconvenience to the public,” he said, suggesting that flight frequencies be increased before and after the closure period. He also called for greater utilisation of rail services to offset disruptions.
President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Javed Ahmad Tenga, said the government should consider alternative arrangements to limit the impact on the local economy.
“If the suspension is unavoidable, railway services should be expanded and additional trains introduced from Delhi and other major cities to maintain connectivity,” he said.
The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) described the decision as unfortunate and said tourism stakeholders were not consulted before the schedule was finalised.
TAAK president Farooq Kuthoo said travel operators have already begun receiving queries from tourists concerned about the disruption.
Airport to be shut two days a week
At a time when runway repair works at Srinagar International Airport have led to complications involving the baggage of Hajj pilgrims returning from the annual pilgrimage, the airport is set to witness a twice-a-week closure from July through September this year.
According to Director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Srinagar, Javed Anjum, the airport will remain closed every Monday and Tuesday from July until the end of September.
“We have received communication that due to runway repair works, passenger flight operations will be suspended on every Monday and Tuesday during July, August and September,” Anjum said.
