With the proposal by Srinagar Airport Authority to issue a NOTAM suspending night time flight operations on Monday and Tuesday being withdrawn, air travelers, tourists and the business community can breathe easily as around the clock flight services will continue to operate, and provide convenient, day access to The Valley all year long.
Moreover, abandoning the scheduled weekly shutdowns represents a seismic change (for the better) for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.
In addition, prior to the NOTAM being withdrawn, but instead planned to be issued a notice (NOTAM) that included shutting down the airport for two‐week‐periods only for civilian flight operations on the first and the last Mondays and Tuesdays in the month of October (because of snow accumulation on runways) would have created substantial issues for stakeholders in tourism and in the hospitality and craft industries.
By cancelling this notice immediately, the airport officials and Srinagar Airport Authority have reinforced a vibrantly strong tourist season, and allowed the three industries mentioned above to operate without any disruption.
Therefore, all travelers can be assured of full access to The Valley 365 days a year, and all proposals (including flight times) will be validated, so that tourism, and access for business, is based on definitive arrangements within daily flight schedules.
Operations will provide for operating hours from 0800 hrs daily throughout the year with intelligent projections. Although the nightly maintenance will continue for each of the four months of closure (July to October), the airport operations and flight will provide substantial confidence to tourists planning holidays and to business leaders needing to plan essential business meetings.
The move has been widely appreciated by the trading fraternity. This move will ensure that the traders and other business communities get more space and possible customers to earn their livelihood.
