Srinagar Airport Braces for Runway Makeover, ₹1,667 Cr Expansion

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced a phased runway maintenance programme at Srinagar International Airport, citing the need for critical upkeep to ensure continued safety and operational efficiency. According to airport officials, the runway last underwent major maintenance 15 years ago, although such work is typically required every decade.

To facilitate the maintenance, flight operations will be suspended on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning in July, allowing work to be carried out on sections of the runway while keeping the airport operational for the rest of the week. The phased approach is intended to minimize disruption while ensuring the runway meets safety standards for aircraft operations.

A complete closure of the airport is currently planned for a two-week period in October to complete the remaining works. However, airport authorities have indicated that the schedule may be adjusted in line with any directives issued by the government regarding air traffic and operational requirements.

The planned shutdown has prompted concerns from tourism and hospitality stakeholders, particularly due to its overlap with the peak Durga Puja travel season. In response, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly taken up the matter with the Union Ministries of Defence and Civil Aviation, suggesting the temporary use of the Indian Air Force airfield at Awantipora for civilian operations during the closure period.

Alongside the maintenance programme, AAI is continuing efforts to enhance passenger services and infrastructure at Srinagar Airport. The airport has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade, with annual passenger traffic increasing from 2.04 million in 2014–15 to 4.47 million in 2024–25. Passenger volumes moderated to 3.38 million in 2025–26 following the Pahalgam incident, but overall traffic levels remain significantly higher than a decade ago.

Cargo operations have also expanded steadily, with annual throughput rising from around 7,000 metric tonnes to 10,500 metric tonnes over the past five years. The airport currently has the capacity to handle up to 40,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually.

Looking ahead, the Centre has approved a major ₹1,667 crore expansion programme for Srinagar Airport. The project will increase passenger handling capacity from 2.5 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 10 MPPA and expand the terminal area from 20,000 sq m to 71,000 sq m. Planned upgrades also include a multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating 1,000 vehicles and enhanced airside infrastructure.

Upon completion, the expanded airport will be able to handle up to 15 aircraft simultaneously, significantly improving operational capacity and passenger convenience. The project is expected to be completed within four years. In parallel, a new airport access road connecting the facility to the ring road is being planned in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), further strengthening connectivity to the airport.

The runway maintenance and expansion initiatives form part of AAI’s broader strategy to modernize Srinagar Airport and support the region’s growing aviation, tourism and economic needs.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.