Srinagar, July 4: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Kashmir (CCIK) have welcomed the decision of the Srinagar International Airport authorities to withdraw the proposed weekly runway closure, saying the move has averted serious economic and social repercussions for Jammu & Kashmir and ensured uninterrupted flight operations throughout the year.
In separate statements, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga and CCIK President Tarik Ghani described the decision as a timely and pragmatic intervention. They said both chambers had immediately taken up the matter with the Government of India and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir after stakeholders from the tourism, trade, horticulture, healthcare and business sectors expressed concern over the proposed suspension of flight operations for two days every week.
The two trade bodies expressed gratitude to the Union Government, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and the Srinagar International Airport authorities for responding positively to the concerns raised by trade and industry stakeholders and ensuring uninterrupted air connectivity to the Valley.
CCIK President Tarik Ghani also conveyed special thanks to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, recalling that during a recent meeting with the Chamber, the Lieutenant Governor had assured members that the airport-related issue would be resolved at the earliest. Ghani said the Chamber appreciated the Lieutenant Governor for honouring that assurance through timely intervention and extending support to the trade, tourism and business community.
Both chambers said the proposed runway closure during the peak tourist season would have significantly affected tourist arrivals, hotel bookings, travel agencies, transport operators, restaurants, handicrafts, retail businesses and thousands of families dependent on tourism for their livelihoods.
They also warned that the suspension of flights would have caused hardship to patients travelling outside Jammu & Kashmir for specialised medical treatment, students, employees, business travellers and families with urgent travel needs. In addition, they said, it could have disrupted business activities, delayed the movement of perishable goods and adversely impacted investor and visitor confidence.
KCCI noted that Srinagar International Airport serves as the lifeline of Kashmir and that uninterrupted air connectivity is essential for tourism, trade, horticulture exports, healthcare, education and the region’s overall economic development. It cautioned that any prolonged disruption in flight operations would have had far-reaching consequences for the Union Territory’s economy.
The chambers appreciated the airport authorities for withdrawing the earlier Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on the proposed weekly runway closure while continuing essential runway maintenance during night hours. They said the revised arrangement strikes a balance between operational safety and uninterrupted public convenience.
CCIK further reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of trade, tourism, industry and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, expressing hope that future infrastructure-related decisions would continue to be taken in consultation with stakeholders.
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