JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Tourists and regular air travelers planning to visit Kashmir will need to plan their travels carefully in the coming months. Due to major repair and development work underway at Srinagar International Airport, passenger flights will be completely suspended for two days a week from July to September.
Under this decision by the airport administration, passenger flights will be suspended every Monday and Tuesday. The administration argues that modernizing the runway and other facilities is necessary to meet future growing air demand, but those involved in the tourism sector are considering this decision as a misguided move at a time when tourist numbers are again increasing in the Valley.
A large part of Kashmir’s economy depends on tourism. Hotels, taxis, houseboats, travel agencies, and thousands of small businesses are directly dependent on tourist arrivals. Consequently, the news of the suspension of air services for two days a week has increased the concerns of business owners.
Tourism experts believe that air connectivity is Kashmir’s lifeline. Most tourists from different parts of the country prefer air travel. If the number of flights decreases or tickets are available to passengers only on a limited number of days, it could directly impact the tourism business.
On the other hand, the airport administration maintains that this step is being taken for the long-term convenience of passengers and improved infrastructure. According to officials, after the completion of the development work, the airport’s capacity and facilities will see significant improvements.
However, the biggest question at present is how much the closure of the airport for two days a week during the peak tourist season will affect the number of tourists visiting the valley. The coming three months will reveal the true impact of this decision.
