The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to commence a significant overhaul of the runway at Srinagar International Airport, a move necessitated by the runway’s lack of major repairs for the past 15 years. This extensive maintenance work, which has been described as long overdue by airport officials, is slated to begin in July with a phased approach. A more intensive 15-day closure is proposed for October to complete the final stages of the project. Airport Director Javed Anjum emphasized the critical need for runway upkeep, noting that such repairs are typically required every decade to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. The current runway at Srinagar International Airport has not undergone substantial refurbishment in the last decade and a half, prompting the AAI to initiate this comprehensive maintenance program.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the phased repairs will lead to the suspension of flight operations on Mondays and Tuesdays starting from July. This schedule is designed to allow for the repair of small sections of the runway each week, while flight services will continue on the remaining days. The most critical phase of the project, however, will necessitate a complete shutdown of the runway for a fortnight in October. This extended closure is intended to facilitate the final and most extensive repairs. Airport authorities have indicated their willingness to adhere to any directives from the government regarding flight operations during the maintenance period, stating that they will comply with any decisions made concerning the schedule or operational adjustments.
The proposed 15-day closure in October has already sparked apprehension within the region’s tourism sector. Industry stakeholders are concerned that this shutdown could adversely impact tourist arrivals, particularly during the peak Durga Puja holiday season, a period when many visitors typically flock to the valley. The timing of the complete runway closure is seen as potentially disruptive to travel plans and the broader tourism economy, which relies heavily on consistent accessibility.
Despite these upcoming maintenance challenges, Srinagar airport has been experiencing notable growth in connectivity and infrastructure development. During a recent Airports Authority of India event, “Yatri Suvidha Diwas,” officials highlighted a series of improvements aimed at enhancing passenger facilities, streamlining cargo operations, and outlining ambitious future expansion plans. These developments underscore the airport’s evolving role as a vital gateway to the region.
Passenger traffic at the airport has seen fluctuations. According to official data, traffic declined from 4.47 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year to 3.38 million in 2025-26. This dip is reportedly linked to the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. However, looking at a broader trend, passenger traffic has shown significant growth over the longer term, increasing from 2.04 million in 2014-15 to 4.47 million in 2024-25. This upward trajectory reflects the airport’s expanding importance in facilitating regional connectivity and contributing to economic development.
In terms of infrastructure, the Government of India has allocated a substantial sum of Rs 1,667 crore for the expansion of Srinagar airport. This ambitious project aims to dramatically increase terminal capacity from the current 2.5 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 10 MPPA. Concurrently, the terminal area will be expanded from 20,000 square meters to 71,000 square meters. A new multi-level parking facility, designed to accommodate 1,000 vehicles, is also part of the expansion plan. The new terminal is being designed to meet international standards and will be equipped to handle 15 aircraft simultaneously. The entire expansion project is anticipated to be completed within the next four years, signaling a significant upgrade in the airport’s capabilities.
Further enhancing accessibility, authorities are planning a new airport link road. This initiative, being undertaken in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will connect the airport to the ring road, aiming to improve passenger access and reduce travel times. The airport’s cargo operations have also witnessed substantial growth over the past five years, with annual cargo handling increasing from 7,000 metric tonnes to 10,500 metric tonnes. The airport currently possesses an annual cargo handling capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes, indicating room for further expansion in this sector.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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