Air travel in India is expected to face temporary disruptions in 2026 as four important airports—Jodhpur, Srinagar, Pune, and Adampur—prepare for scheduled runway repair and maintenance work.
These airports, which operate under dual civil and military usage by the Indian Air Force, require periodic upgrades to maintain high operational standards, especially for fighter jet movements. Authorities have planned phased runway recarpeting to ensure safety and performance.
The first phase begins with Jodhpur Airport, where flight operations will be suspended from March 29 to April 27. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have already halted bookings beyond March 28 in anticipation of the shutdown.
Srinagar Airport will undergo a staggered closure schedule. It will remain shut on weekends between August and mid-October, followed by a complete shutdown from October 16 to November 5 for intensive maintenance work.
Pune Airport is also expected to experience disruptions later in the year, although the exact schedule is yet to be officially announced.
Meanwhile, Adampur Airport in Punjab will see the longest impact, with runway work planned after November. The airport is expected to remain closed for approximately eight months, making it one of the most extended shutdowns among the four.
Officials confirmed that NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) have already been issued for some closures, and airlines were informed well in advance through the government’s slot coordination process to minimize passenger inconvenience.
Given the strategic importance of these airports—many located near sensitive border regions—such maintenance work is essential to ensure both civilian safety and military readiness.
Passengers planning travel during these periods are advised to check flight schedules in advance and stay updated with airline notifications.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
