As the peak travel season approaches, tourism stakeholders in Kashmir have raised concerns over restricted flight operations at Srinagar airport, which will operate only between 8 am and 5 pm from April 6 to July 31 due to runway upgrade works by the Air Force.
At present, around 60 flight movements operate daily between 8 am and 10 pm, and the revised schedule will compress operations into a shorter window during one of the busiest periods for travel to the Valley. The move has prompted airlines and industry players to recalibrate schedules to minimise disruption.
In a post on X, Srinagar International Airport said that while operational hours will be reduced under a NOTAM issued by the Indian Air Force, flight movements are expected to increase in line with the Directorate General of Civil Aviationsummer schedule, with airlines adjusting services within the revised timings.
“Airlines will plan and operate flights accordingly within the revised timings,” reads the post.
Airlines are now expected to reschedule flights within the curtailed hours, potentially leading to tighter turnaround times at the airport, which serves as Kashmir’s primary aviation hub. Industry insiders said that the compression of schedules could result in bunching of arrivals and departures, putting pressure on airport infrastructure and ground handling services.
Tourism stakeholders said they were closely monitoring how the revised schedule plays out during the crucial summer months, even as bookings remain steady for now.
“If flights are adjusted efficiently, the impact may not be significant, but any mismatch in timings could create inconvenience for tourists,” said a Srinagar-based tour operator.
The Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), an amalgam of traders, transporters and hoteliers, expressed concern over the move, warning that restricted hours during peak months could impact economic activity.
“While infrastructure development is essential, limiting operations to 8 am – 5 pm during peak travel and tourism months will significantly disrupt business, trade, tourism and overall economic activity in the Valley,” said Qazi Touseef, spokesperson of KEA.
He added that reduced flight frequency could affect tourist inflow, delay the movement of perishable goods and increase travel costs for passengers, urging authorities to explore “a more balanced and business-friendly approach.”
Despite the concerns, stakeholders said much would depend on how efficiently airlines and airport authorities manage the revised schedule in the coming months.
Published on April 3, 2026