Srinagar, June 12 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi on Friday, requesting a shorter closure of Srinagar International Airport for the upcoming maintenance planned from October 1 to October 16.

Omar Abdullah’s office posted on X, “Chief Minister met Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri @RamMNK and raised concerns regarding the proposed closure of Srinagar Airport from 1-16 October for maintenance works. Emphasising the importance of uninterrupted air connectivity to the Valley during the peak tourism season, he urged that the maintenance schedule be reviewed and, if feasible, shortened, phased, or shifted to a leaner travel window.”

“The Chief Minister also suggested operating a limited number of civilian flights from Awantipora Air Base during the closure period to ensure continued connectivity for residents, tourists and businesses,” the post said.

The airport authorities have already announced that from July 1 there will be no flight operations at the Srinagar International Airport on Mondays and Tuesdays.

In addition, the authorities have announced that the airport would remain completely closed for flight operations from October 1 to 16 for runway maintenance, etc.

The Srinagar International Airport serves Srinagar, the summer capital of the union territory. It is located in Budgam district about 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Srinagar.

It is owned by the Indian Air Force, and the Airports Authority of India operates a civil enclave at the airport, which was opened in 1979. It was designated as an international airport in 2005. It has an integrated domestic and international terminal with one asphalt runway.

A majority of tourists coming to Kashmir prefer air travel. A predominant majority of well-to-do tourists who come to Kashmir during all four seasons also prefer air travel. These high-end tourists are very important for the survival of the local tourism industry. Absence of air travel facility will very adversely affect the local tourist industry.

–IANS

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