SRINAGAR, JULY 4: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the decision to withdraw the proposed Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the full closure of Srinagar International Airport’s runway, describing it as a major relief for the Union Territory’s tourism sector and regular air travellers.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the proposed Monday-Tuesday runway closure had begun affecting Kashmir’s tourism industry, with several tour groups cancelling their planned visits.
“This Monday-Tuesday thing was hitting us very hard. Just yesterday, I spoke to some people from the tourism sector, and many of their groups had started cancelling,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he had consistently raised the issue with the Central Government and that his efforts had resulted in the withdrawal of the proposed closure.
“Ever since this news came out, I have been continuously making efforts. Within the Central Government, I spoke with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, and even when I met the Prime Minister, I raised the issue with him. If the outcome of this is that the Monday-Tuesday schedule will remain normal for now, it is a huge relief for us,” Abdullah said.
He, however, noted that if runway maintenance requires the airport to be closed in October, alternative flight operations should be arranged from the Awantipora Air Force Base to minimise inconvenience to passengers.
Later, in a post on X, Abdullah expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu for responding positively to the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s request.
“Grateful to the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Sb & Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu for acceding to our request and suspending the airport closure order. This closure had created a lot of difficulties for regular travellers and forced tour groups and tourists to cancel planned visits,” he wrote.
