In haste the Indian Air Force has decided to shut down the Srinagar Airport for all commercial flights into and out of Srinagar, from 1 September 2010 until 15th of September apparently for re-carpeting the runway. In this age this total disruption of such a vital service shall further disjoint the life and schedule of many in the Valley. The necessity of repairs and upkeep is understood and justifiable. What is not is the absolute suspension of flights when this decision is bound to and send a wrong signal to a suffering populace already reeling under the impact of the present situation. Especially for the essential travelers comprising patients, students and businessmen of all hues. Sadly, the inflow of air passengers from all parts of the world on Eid from 1 to 15 September has also not been factored. This is very unfortunate. The runway I am told can well allow landing of smaller ATR aircraft even as the repairs are on. Mr Chief minister, I write to strongly suggest to you that the issue, sure to cause unprecedented hardship and inconvenience to the average citizen may  be urgently taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry for keeping the airport operational, even if partially for running sorties of the smaller ATR aircraft. Another alternative could be operating connecting helicopter flights from Srinagar to Jammu and vice-versa for onward travel of the fliers. I am sure with your concerted efforts there will surely be a via-media or middle path available that alleviates the hardship of the commuters while allowing the authorities adequate time to carry out the proposed repairs.

Javed Iqbal Shah
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Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST