Overview
- Airport authorities have confirmed a full closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to October 16 for Phase‑3 runway resurfacing, with two‑day weekly suspensions starting in July and restricted hours in place since April.
- Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah pressed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu during meetings on June 11–12 to seek alternatives to the October shutdown.
- Abdullah proposed opening the IAF‑controlled Awantipora airfield to limited civilian flights during the fortnight, citing its prior use for civilian services in 2010 and an earlier in‑principle Defence approval for civil operations.
- The Indian Air Force and airport authorities stress that safety and operational limits will govern any change, and central officials say the Centre will explore options but have not announced a final plan.
- Local officials and tourism stakeholders warn the closure will hit Kashmir’s ‘Golden’ autumn season and allied livelihoods, so authorities are weighing inter‑agency contingency plans including revised maintenance windows and enhanced rail links.