Keeping Kashmir connected

The decision to withdraw the proposed weekly closure of Srinagar Airport’s runway is a timely and welcome intervention that places public interest above administrative convenience. By opting for night-time maintenance instead of daytime shutdowns, the authorities have ensured that essential repair work continues without disrupting the lifeline that air connectivity represents for Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar Airport is not merely a transport hub but the gateway of Union Territory to the rest of the country. Every day, thousands of tourists, business travellers, students, patients and government officials depend on its services. During the peak summer season, when tourist arrivals are at their highest, even a two-day weekly suspension of flights would have had far-reaching consequences. Tour cancellations, increased airfares, disrupted business schedules and inconvenience to local residents would have translated into significant economic losses. The revised operational plan demonstrates that infrastructure maintenance and uninterrupted public service need not be mutually exclusive. Around the world, airports routinely undertake maintenance during off-peak or night hours to minimise inconvenience. Adopting a similar approach at Srinagar reflects better planning and greater sensitivity to the region’s unique dependence on air travel. Equally noteworthy is the constructive coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Union Government. The Chief Minister’s intervention, coupled with the prompt response from the Defence and Civil Aviation ministries, underscores the value of cooperative governance in resolving issues that directly affect citizens. However, the episode also offers an important lesson. Major operational decisions with wide public implications should involve prior consultation with stakeholders, including airlines, tourism bodies, trade associations and the local administration. Early dialogue can help identify workable alternatives before avoidable uncertainty spreads. As runway maintenance proceeds through night operations until October, authorities must ensure strict adherence to safety standards while keeping passengers informed through timely updates.