Naidu announces full restoration of flights to Srinagar
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, May 15: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu today announced the full restoration of all commercial flight operations to and from Srinagar following a temporary shutdown due to heightened security concerns, urging people across the country to stand with the people of Kashmir by visiting the region and supporting its economy.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The Minister made the remarks during his visit to the Polo View market in Srinagar, where he met local traders and listened to their concerns about the recent dip in tourist footfall following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Naidu also reviewed operations at the Srinagar airport after the conclusion of the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) period that had restricted flights for a week due to security concerns.
“In the same way the country has stood united after the Pahalgam attack, we must also stand with the economy of Kashmir,” he said.
The Minister said that all civil aviation routes, including those connecting Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities, have been restored. “Flights are running at full occupancy, which reflects growing public confidence,” he added.
He praised the security forces for their “well-planned” Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam attack and lauded the restraint shown in avoiding civilian harm. “Our forces acted with full planning and precision, ensuring that civilians were not harmed. I salute them for their professionalism and bravery. Their actions allowed India to hold its head high,” he added.
After inspecting airport operations, Naidu visited the Polo View market in Srinagar city and spent time at a coffee shop, interacting with local traders and residents. Business owners shared concerns about a steep decline in tourist arrivals after the attack, which has impacted livelihoods dependent on tourism.
“To revive tourism, we have come here, walked through the city, and are assuring people that everything is back to normal,” Naidu said. He said flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities have resumed. “When we arrived this morning from Delhi, the flight was full. And all the flights we are monitoring are operating at full occupancy.”
Naidu said that people from all corners of India, including his home state of Andhra Pradesh, love Kashmir and often choose it as their top holiday destination. “We want to tell the whole country-Kashmir is as safe and beautiful as ever. Come and visit with confidence. Civil Aviation is doing everything it can to support the region,” he said.
He also assured that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is ready to work with airlines to increase support and maintain confidence in air connectivity. “We will closely monitor flight occupancies over the next couple of weeks. If needed, we will coordinate with airlines to ensure no disruption in services,” he added.
The Minister urged all citizens to show solidarity not just in times of crisis, but by actively participating in Kashmir’s economic revival. “Tourism is the backbone of this region, and your visit is the biggest support you can offer right now,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
