Following Operation Sindoor, Srinagar International Airport witnessed a significant uptick in both flight operations and passenger traffic. On May 16 alone, the airport handled 40 flights and 5,720 passengers, reflecting a positive recovery in Kashmir’s air connectivity after the temporary disruptions.
Airport officials reported that 20 arrival and 20 departure flights operated on May 16, bringing in 3,340 passengers and sending off 2,380. This marks a major rebound just 10 days after operations were suspended due to the India-Pakistan border escalation.
On May 15, the airport handled even higher traffic, with 44 flights in total 22 arrivals and 22 departures and 6,844 passengers passing through. This included 3,387 arrivals and 3,457 departures, of which 641 were Hajj pilgrims, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage movement from the Valley.
Earlier during the day, the airport authorities extended a warm welcome to incoming defence personnel and other passengers on May 16.
Director Srinagar Airport, Javid Anjum told Rising Kashmir that in a positive move flower were presented as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation. The airport administration’s continued efforts to offer a dignified travel experience,” he said.
In a parallel development, the Minister of Civil Aviation, along with the Secretary of Civil Aviation, Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other senior officials, visited Srinagar Airport to review ongoing development projects.
During their visit, they interacted with passengers and stakeholders, and commended the airport staff and management for their dedication during challenging times. A comprehensive presentation on current infrastructure upgrades and expansion plans was delivered by the Airport Director.
The flight operations were suspended on May 07 across 32 airports, including Srinagar, after India launched Operation Sindoor, a strategic offensive targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
The operation was conducted in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, including tourists and foreign nationals.
The temporary suspension of air travel had severely impacted mobility in the Kashmir Valley, affecting both local commuters and incoming tourists.
