Srinagar airport to be shut for fortnight from Oct 1 for maintenance; locals fear blow to business

SRINAGAR 02 Jun : The Srinagar International Airport will suspend all flight operations for 15 days starting October 1 to undergo crucial runway maintenance and repair work, officials said on Tuesday.

The two-week shutdown is expected to deal a massive blow to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, as it directly clashes with the peak Durga Puja holiday season.

The Valley traditionally witnesses a massive influx of tourists from West Bengal during this period, and travel operators fear the closure will lead to widespread cancellations and heavy financial losses.