JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Tourists planning a trip to Kashmir and regular air travelers will need to plan their journeys carefully in the coming months. Due to major repair and development works scheduled to begin at Srinagar International Airport, passenger flight operations will be completely suspended for two days a week from July through September.
Under this decision taken by the airport administration, passenger aircraft will be unable to take off or land every Monday and Tuesday. The administration argues that modernizing the runway and other facilities is essential to meet future air travel demands; however, stakeholders in the tourism sector view this decision as ill-timed, coming just as the number of tourists visiting the Valley had begun to rise once again.
A significant portion of Kashmir’s economy relies on tourism. Hotels, taxis, houseboats, travel agencies, and thousands of small business owners are directly dependent on the influx of tourists. Consequently, the news that air services will be suspended for two days a week has heightened the concerns of the business community.
Tourism experts believe that air connectivity serves as the lifeline of Kashmir. Most tourists arriving from various parts of the country prioritize air travel. If the frequency of flights decreases, or if tickets become available only on limited days, it could have a direct adverse impact on the tourism industry.
On the other hand, the airport administration maintains that this measure is being undertaken to ensure the long-term convenience of passengers and to establish better infrastructure. According to officials, once the development works are completed, there will be a significant improvement in the airport’s capacity and facilities.
However, the most pressing question right now remains: to what extent will the closure of the airport for two days a week—during the peak tourist season—impact the number of visitors arriving in the Valley? The coming three months will reveal the true picture regarding the consequences of this decision.
