Tourism Industry Jitters as Srinagar Airport Faces Proposed Weekly Shutdown
Two-day runway maintenance plan during peak travel season sparks fears of cancellations, falling arrivals and fresh blow to Kashmir tourism
Srinagar: The proposed closure of Srinagar Airport for two days every week between July and September for runway maintenance has triggered concern and anxiety among tourism stakeholders across Kashmir, with industry players warning that the move could severely affect tourist arrivals during the peak summer season.
Travel operators, hoteliers and tourism representatives fear the proposed shutdown, if implemented during the crucial tourism months, could disrupt travel schedules, lead to mass cancellations and dent the fragile recovery of Kashmir’s tourism sector, which has already witnessed uncertainty following recent developments in the region.
Industry stakeholders said the July–September period is considered one of the busiest travel windows for Kashmir, attracting lakhs of tourists from different parts of the country seeking relief from the intense summer heat elsewhere.
A senior tourism department official said discussions regarding runway maintenance are underway and authorities are exploring ways to minimise inconvenience to passengers and the tourism sector.
However, tourism players said even limited flight disruptions could significantly impact visitor confidence and booking trends.
Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Farooq Ahmad Dar, said the proposed closure has created panic among tour operators and travel planners.
“Tourism works on confidence and smooth connectivity. If flights remain suspended for two days every week during peak season, tourists may prefer alternative destinations instead of risking uncertainty in travel schedules,” Dar said.
He said many tourists finalise travel plans months in advance and sudden operational disruptions often result in cancellations, rescheduling issues and financial losses for tour operators, hotels and transporters.
President of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, Raja Parvez, said the Valley’s tourism industry was still trying to stabilise after witnessing fluctuations in tourist arrivals over the past several weeks.
“July and August are among the most important months for Kashmir tourism. Hotels, houseboats, taxis, guides and thousands of workers depend on the tourism economy. Any prolonged disruption in air connectivity will directly impact livelihoods,” he said.
Tour operators said Srinagar Airport acts as the primary gateway for tourists visiting Kashmir and even short-term interruptions can create a cascading effect on bookings across the hospitality sector.
Several tourism stakeholders suggested that runway maintenance should either be carried out in phases during off-peak periods or managed in a way that allows partial flight operations to continue.
A travel operator from Srinagar said many visitors prefer short-duration trips to Kashmir and reduced flight availability could increase airfare prices and discourage travellers.
“When flights become limited, ticket prices automatically rise. Families planning vacations may cancel or postpone their trips if travel becomes expensive or uncertain,” he said.
The concerns come at a time when Kashmir’s tourism sector had begun witnessing steady movement after a difficult phase earlier this year. Popular destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar have recently seen increasing tourist footfall amid pleasant weather conditions.
A houseboat owner at Dal Lake said the tourism industry had only started recovering after weeks of low occupancy.
“We finally started getting bookings again. News about airport closure immediately creates fear among tourists. We hope authorities will find a solution that does not hurt the tourism season,” he said.
Officials familiar with the matter said runway maintenance is necessary to ensure operational safety and long-term airport infrastructure improvement. They added that discussions are likely to take place with airlines and other stakeholders before any final schedule is implemented.
Meanwhile, tourism players have urged authorities to hold wider consultations with stakeholders before taking a final decision, saying Kashmir’s economy remains heavily dependent on uninterrupted tourist movement during the summer months.
