Several airports operated by the Indian Air Force will face temporary airport closure this year due to major runway repair and maintenance work. The affected airports include Jodhpur, Srinagar, Pune, and Adampur, where recarpeting projects will take place in phases.
The planned maintenance is expected to cause temporary civil flight disruptions, and passengers travelling through these cities may experience schedule changes or cancellations.
Authorities have already informed airlines and issued official aviation notices to ensure passengers receive advance information.
Airport Shutdown Schedule Released by Authorities
Officials confirmed that the airport shutdown schedule will begin at the end of March and continue at different times throughout the year.
The first closure will take place at Jodhpur Airport, where operations will remain suspended from March 29 to April 27. Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have already stopped bookings during this period.
The runway work was initially planned earlier but was rescheduled to ensure proper execution of all maintenance phases.
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Srinagar Airport to Close in Multiple Phases
Srinagar Airport will experience partial and full closures later this year. According to officials:
- Weekend closures will take place from August to mid-October.
- A complete airport shutdown will occur from October 16 to November 5 for intensive runway repairs.
These measures are necessary to maintain safety standards for both defence and civilian aircraft operations.
Pune Airport Likely to Face Operational Changes
Pune Airport is also included in the runway renovation plan. While exact dates have not yet been announced, authorities confirmed that operational disruptions are expected later this year.
Passengers are advised to stay updated with airline announcements as revised schedules are released.
Adampur Air Base Closure Planned After November
The Adampur air base in Punjab will undergo significant runway adjustments after November. Officials indicated the airport could remain closed for nearly eight months, although final dates will be confirmed soon.
This extended maintenance period may lead to long-term civil flight disruptions in the region.
Why Indian Air Force Airports Require Regular Maintenance
All four airports are jointly used by civilian airlines and the Indian Air Force, making runway quality extremely important. Fighter jets and military aircraft operate under stricter technical conditions compared to commercial aircraft.
Additionally, the strategic location of these bases near international borders increases the need for frequent inspections and upgrades.
Regular recarpeting ensures safe landings, improved durability, and uninterrupted defence operations.
Flight Cancellations and Passenger Advisory
Due to the ongoing runway upgrades, airlines have already started adjusting flight operations. Several flight cancellations and rescheduled services are expected during closure periods.
Passengers should:
- Check airline notifications before travelling
- Monitor updated flight timings
- Consider alternate nearby airports if required
Early planning can help travellers avoid last-minute inconvenience.
