Srinagar Airport has once again faced widespread chaos and disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded over the past three days due to severe flight cancellations. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has raised serious concerns over the ongoing crisis, attributing the disruptions to the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) failure to install the upgraded Instrument Landing System (ILS) that was promised years ago. This system is crucial for ensuring safe flight operations, especially during adverse weather conditions such as fog, low visibility, and heavy rain, which frequently affect Srinagar’s air traffic.
In a press statement to Ziraat Times, KCCI emphasized the significant impact of these flight disruptions on various segments of travelers, including international tourists, Umrah pilgrims, business travelers, students returning to their educational institutions, and patients traveling for medical treatments. Many passengers have missed connecting flights at major international hubs, further complicating their travel plans and resulting in cascading delays. The economic toll of these disruptions has been significant, with passengers incurring substantial financial losses due to missed connections and canceled flights.
KCCI’s statement pointed out that the situation is entirely preventable, highlighting the pressing need for modern navigation technology at Srinagar Airport. Despite repeated assurances from AAI and numerous missed deadlines, the airport continues to rely on outdated systems that leave it vulnerable to disruptions, particularly during the winter months when weather conditions are unpredictable and often severe. KCCI has consistently advocated for the installation of a modern ILS, but the lack of progress in this regard has left the region’s air connectivity at the mercy of the weather.
The lack of an upgraded ILS system means that during foggy or low-visibility conditions, flights are either delayed or canceled altogether, creating havoc for passengers and disrupting business operations. Srinagar, being a key gateway for tourists, pilgrims, and other travelers, has seen an increase in air traffic in recent years. However, without modern navigation systems, the airport’s capacity to handle such high volumes in adverse weather remains compromised.
KCCI has once again called for urgent action from the authorities to prioritize the installation of the upgraded ILS and address the longstanding issue of outdated infrastructure at Srinagar Airport. The chamber expressed its frustration with the continued delays and the lack of accountability from AAI, urging the government to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and ensure that air travel from Srinagar is no longer at the mercy of weather disruptions.
The ongoing crisis has underscored the need for better infrastructure and more reliable air travel options for the people of Kashmir. KCCI believes that addressing these issues will not only improve the travel experience for passengers but will also enhance the region’s economic potential by ensuring smoother connectivity for business, tourism, and healthcare.
As the situation continues to unfold, KCCI has pledged to continue pushing for timely action, and they are calling on both the central and state governments to intervene and prioritize the completion of the ILS installation at Srinagar Airport. Until then, the disruption and uncertainty surrounding air travel in the region remain a significant challenge for both passengers and the local economy.