The news that Srinagar International Airport has done away with its restrictive 8 am to 5 pm operational window is indeed good news.
As the winter schedule begins on October 25, flights to and from here can now go beyond 5 pm if operational requirements so demand.
The airport’s early closure hours, necessitated by the need to complete some runway maintenance work, had proved inconvenient, not to mention psychologically disheartening.
Days out of town became a problem for many, while late evening flights from other Indian cities left many a traveler stranded.
The resumption of late evening departures, for which airlines have already applied, is a welcome relief.
The move is particularly heartening in the context of winter operations, when fog is likely to affect schedules, cutting into the already limited operating hours of the airport.
By agreeing to keep the airport open beyond evening, the Airports Authority has allowed for greater flexibility in dealing with the vagaries of the weather.
The local tourism industry, which has been lobbying hard for changes at the international airport, will also breathe a sigh of relief.
Restricted operating hours of the airport have affected the morale of many tourists who prefer to make trips to nearby destinations as layovers or even stay put at Srinagar for a day or two.
Normalizing the operating hours of the international airport will have positive implications for the local economy as more and more tourists are likely to flock in.
It will also be good for the local hospitality industry, including rest houses, hotels, restaurants and even taxi services, to witness an increase in business.
While the change has been dubbed as convenient by many, it is important for passengers to remember that they must first consult with their respective airlines before embarking on any travel plans, as operational requirements will dictate.
By relaxing its operational window, the Srinagar airport has demonstrated a basic understanding of the situation and the needs of the local community.
