State Bureau, Srinagar: Srinagar International Airport’s runway needs urgent repairs, as its last major maintenance work was done almost 15 years ago, said Airports Authority of India (AAI) Srinagar Airport Director Javed Anjum. He further emphasises the need for immediate action to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations.
Every runway requires periodic maintenance, and typically, major runway repairs occur once every 10 years. However, Srinagar Airport has not been repaired in 15 years. Therefore, from July until the end of September, the airport will undergo runway maintenance work on Mondays and Tuesdays each week. Consequently, passenger air services will remain suspended.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Saturday, Javed Anjum said the AAI has decided to carry out work on certain sections of the runway on Mondays and Tuesdays every week starting in July. Work will be carried out on a small portion of the runway on these two days, while flight operations will continue as normal on the remaining days.
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The final and crucial phase of maintenance is scheduled to be completed in October. This will require a complete closure of the runway. Consequently, flight operations at Srinagar Airport may be suspended for approximately 15 days in October.
However, AAI clarified that it will follow the central government's directive regarding flight operations. Anjum said that if the government issues instructions to postpone, defer maintenance work, or resume flights, the authority will act accordingly.
Meanwhile, the AAI will celebrate 'Passenger Facilitation Day' at Srinagar Airport on Monday to showcase the recent developments and passenger-centric initiatives to provide a safe, smooth and enhanced travel experience to passengers.
Anjum stated that air connectivity and the number of flights at Srinagar Airport have increased significantly over the years. Compared to 20.4 lakh passengers in 2014-15, the airport is projected to handle 4.47 lakh passengers in 2024-25. However, following the Pahalgam terror attack, this number will decline to 3.38 lakh in 2025-26.
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Cargo operations have also seen significant growth. Over the past five years, cargo handling at the airport has increased from 7,000 metric tons to 10,500 metric tons. The airport's annual cargo handling capacity is currently 40,000 metric tons.
The AAI Director stated that the Central Government has approved Rs 1,667 crore for the expansion of Srinagar Airport. Under this project, the terminal's capacity will be increased from 2.5 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 10 million passengers per annum (10 MPPA). Additionally, the terminal building's area will be expanded from 20,000 square meters to 71,000 square meters, and a multi-level parking space with a capacity of 1,000 vehicles will be developed.