After a tense six-day suspension due to escalating Indo-Pak tensions, flight operations at Srinagar International Airport have officially resumed, bringing much-needed relief to passengers and stakeholders in the tourism and aviation sectors. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)—which had grounded flights following ceasefire violations and India’s military action dubbed Operation Sindoor—was formally revoked on May 12.
According to airport authorities, all operational and logistical systems have been restored, and the facility is now fully equipped to handle incoming and outgoing flights. Security, ground staff, and flight support teams are on standby to ensure smooth operations. While the airspace has reopened, commercial flight services are still awaiting final clearance from individual airline operators, with coordination efforts currently underway. Passengers have been strongly advised to remain in touch with their airlines for the latest schedule confirmations.
The suspension had disrupted travel plans, particularly affecting Hajj pilgrims scheduled to depart between May 7 and May 12. The first flight is expected to land on Tuesday afternoon, May 13, marking a symbolic and operational return to normalcy.
In a significant development for the Muslim community in the region, Hajj flights from Srinagar Airport will recommence on Wednesday, May 14, as per the original schedule. On May 14 and 15, three flights will operate as planned. A revised schedule is expected soon for the seven flights that were cancelled due to the airport closure.
This year, 3,622 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and 242 from Ladakh are scheduled to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The inaugural batch of 178 pilgrims departed on May 4, with the rest facing uncertainty until now. Authorities are now working to ensure all affected pilgrims are accommodated in the upcoming flights.
The suspension of operations on May 7 came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which prompted military strikes on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control. A subsequent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan led to the reopening of airspace and de-escalation in the region.
Welcoming the reopening, the National Conference (NC) lauded the government and airport authorities for prioritizing the needs of Hajj pilgrims and ensuring timely resumption. The party emphasized that religious and civilian travel should remain safeguarded, even amidst heightened regional tensions.
Airport officials reiterated that although the NOTAM has been lifted, the situation remains fluid and subject to real-time changes, depending on geopolitical developments. Travelers are advised to stay updated via official airline channels and avoid unnecessary visits to the airport without confirmed bookings.
The resumption of flights, particularly Hajj operations, is seen as a crucial step toward restoring normalcy and public confidence in the region’s connectivity infrastructure. It also reflects the resilience of civil aviation operations in conflict-sensitive areas, and the importance of coordination between defense, civil aviation, and diplomatic entities in crisis management.
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