Srinagar, June 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the Union Government to review the proposed closure of Srinagar Airport scheduled from October 1 to 16 for maintenance works, citing concerns over its potential impact on tourism, business activities and public convenience during one of the Valley’s busiest travel periods.
According to the Office of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and highlighted the importance of ensuring uninterrupted air connectivity to Kashmir during the peak tourist season. He requested the Ministry to reconsider the maintenance schedule and explore the possibility of shortening the closure period, carrying out the works in phases, or shifting them to a relatively lean travel window.
The Chief Minister stressed that prolonged suspension of flight operations at Srinagar Airport could adversely affect residents, tourists and the business community. He also proposed that a limited number of civilian flights be operated from the Awantipora Air Base during the maintenance period to maintain essential connectivity with the Valley.
The matter, the Chief Minister said, warrants urgent consideration in view of the significant economic and tourism activities dependent on regular air services to and from Jammu and Kashmir.
