The resumption of flight operations at 32 Airports including Srinagar International Airport has ushered in a wave of relief and joy, particularly for the hundreds of Hajj pilgrims whose spiritual journey had been clouded by uncertainty. Following the temporary closure of 32 airports across India, the intending pilgrims found themselves caught in a web of delays, confusion and anxiety. For the Hajj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir, the journey to Mecca is not just a travel itinerary—it is a lifetime aspiration rooted deeply in faith. Any disruption, therefore, is not merely logistical, but deeply emotional and spiritual. The unexpected suspension of flights had left many in limbo, with travel dates uncertain, connections at risk and rising fears of missing the narrow Hajj window. Families who had spent years saving for this pilgrimage were understandably distressed. The reopening of Srinagar airport and other key terminals is more than a technical resumption of services—it is the restoration of a dream. For the elderly and those traveling with family, the local departure point from Srinagar is crucial. It spares them the additional hardship of rerouting through distant cities and braving long road journeys, which are particularly challenging in Kashmir’s mountainous terrain and sensitive security environment. This episode also serves as a powerful reminder to authorities: air connectivity is not merely a matter of convenience but of critical national importance, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The Hajj is not just a journey across borders, but a journey of the heart. It deserves our utmost care and coordination.
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Jammu and Kashmir, often romanticized as ‘Paradise on Earth,’ is grappling with an ecological nightmare. The twin threats of climate...
