Srinagar, Jul 04: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday welcomed the decision of the Srinagar International Airport authorities to withdraw the proposed weekly runway closure, ensuring uninterrupted flight operations on all days throughout the year.
KCCI President, Javid Ahmad Tenga, in a statement described the decision as a timely and pragmatic intervention that has averted serious economic and social repercussions for Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the Chamber had immediately taken up the matter with the Government of India as well as the Government of Jammu & Kashmir after concerns were raised by stakeholders from across the tourism, trade, horticulture, healthcare and business sectors regarding the proposed closure.
The Chamber expressed its sincere gratitude to the Union Government, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, and the Srinagar International Airport authorities for their prompt and positive response in addressing the concerns raised by the Chamber and other stakeholders, and for ensuring that uninterrupted air connectivity to the Valley is maintained.
Tenga said the proposed suspension of flight operations for two days every week had created widespread apprehension across Kashmir. At the peak of the tourist season, such a closure would have severely affected tourist arrivals, hotel bookings, travel agencies, transport operators, restaurants, handicrafts, retail businesses and thousands of families whose livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on tourism.
He said the proposed disruption would also have caused immense hardship to patients travelling outside Jammu and Kashmir for specialised medical treatment, students, employees, business travellers and families with urgent travel requirements. It would have disrupted business engagements, delayed movement of perishable goods, and adversely affected the confidence of investors and visitors alike.
The Chamber noted that Srinagar Airport is the lifeline of Kashmir and uninterrupted air connectivity is indispensable for tourism, trade, horticulture exports, healthcare, education and the overall economic development of the region. Any prolonged disruption in flight operations would have had far-reaching consequences for the Union Territory’s economy.
KCCI appreciated the airport authorities for reviewing the proposal and withdrawing the earlier NOTAM relating to the weekly runway closure while continuing essential runway maintenance during night hours. The Chamber said this balanced approach would ensure both operational safety and uninterrupted public convenience.
