Srinagar International Airport has issued an advance advisory warning passengers of potential operational changes later this year as authorities consider a runway maintenance programme that could affect flight services between July and October 2026.
The proposed works, linked to a runway maintenance plan by the Indian Air Force, include periodic runway unavailability during the third quarter of the year and a possible full suspension of runway operations for more than two weeks in October.
However, airport authorities stressed that the maintenance schedule remains under consideration and has not yet received final approval.
In a passenger advisory shared through official channels, Srinagar Airport said the runway may remain unavailable every Monday and Tuesday between 1 July and 30 September 2026 as part of the planned maintenance programme.
The airport also indicated that a complete suspension of runway operations has been proposed between 1 October and 16 October 2026.
According to the airport, the proposal is still in the planning phase.
"The above plan is currently under the planning phase. As soon as the schedule is formally approved, detailed updates will be shared through official channels," the airport stated in its advisory.
The notice was issued well in advance to allow passengers and travel operators additional time to prepare for potential changes.
The airport subsequently clarified that the Indian Air Force had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTEM) regarding the proposed runway unavailability during July, August and September.
If approved, the airport's proposed watch hours during the affected period would remain between 0800 hrs and 1700 hrs.
Airport authorities noted that airlines have not yet submitted revised operating schedules.
Key operational points outlined by the airport include:
• Proposed runway non-availability on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 July to 30 September 2026
• Proposed watch hours of 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs during the maintenance period
• Proposed complete runway closure from 1 October to 16 October 2026
• Revised airline schedules still awaiting finalisation and approval
The airport said updated schedules would be communicated through official channels once airlines complete their operational planning.
Srinagar serves as a critical aviation gateway for Jammu and Kashmir, connecting the region with major cities across India.
Any reduction in runway availability could require airlines to adjust flight frequencies, modify schedules or review network deployment during the maintenance period.
The airport has advised passengers to rely on official communications from airlines and airport authorities for verified updates and to avoid unconfirmed information circulating through unofficial sources.
Officials also reiterated that the proposed October closure remains under discussion and may be subject to further review before any final decision is implemented.
The proposed October shutdown has triggered concern among sections of Kashmir's tourism and hospitality industry.
According to reporting by PTI, industry representatives fear that a suspension of flight operations during the first half of October could affect visitor arrivals during the Durga Puja holiday season, traditionally an important period for tourism from eastern India, particularly West Bengal.
Hospitality stakeholders have acknowledged the importance of infrastructure upgrades but have called for measures that minimise disruption to travellers and businesses.
According to PTI:
• Hotelier Asif Burza said airport modernisation and maintenance were important but urged efforts to reduce inconvenience for visitors.
• Javed Ahmad Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for alternative arrangements to limit any impact on tourism and commercial activity.
• The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) reported receiving enquiries from tourists concerned about the proposed suspension and appealed for a review of the schedule.
The concerns reflect the aviation sector's close relationship with tourism in Kashmir, where air connectivity remains a key driver of visitor arrivals and economic activity.
For now, airport authorities have emphasised that the maintenance programme remains a proposal rather than a confirmed operational plan.
The coming weeks are expected to bring greater clarity as regulatory approvals, airline schedules and operational requirements are reviewed. Until then, passengers, airlines and tourism businesses will continue monitoring developments closely as Srinagar Airport prepares for a maintenance programme designed to support long-term runway reliability and operational efficiency.
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