NEW DELHI – Travel plans for thousands of passengers are set for a shake-up as 4 Indian airports to shut . The Indian Air Force (IAF), which controls these dual-use airbases, announced a mandatory runway recarpeting and maintenance schedule for 2026. Consequently, civil flight operations at Jodhpur, Srinagar, Pune, and Adampur will face varying degrees of suspension starting late March.
Authorities have already issued NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) to inform pilots and airlines of these operational shifts. Because these bases house high-performance fighter jets, their runways must meet much stricter technical standards than standard commercial strips. Moreover, their proximity to the international border underscores the strategic urgency of these upgrades.
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Jodhpur Airport: The First to Suspend Operations
The shutdown begins in Rajasthan, where Jodhpur Airport will completely suspend civil flights for nearly a month. According to the latest NOTAM, the closure will remain in effect from 6:30 PM on March 29 until 6:30 PM on April 27. This marks the first major resurfacing project for the Jodhpur runway in approximately seven years.
The project will follow a strict three-phase construction plan:
Phase One: Work begins on the outer sections, potentially allowing smaller aircraft like the Airbus A320 to operate on a shortened strip.
Phase Two: The central portion of the runway undergoes repair, necessitating a total halt of all civil and military movements.
Phase Three: Final touches allow for a partial resumption of the summer flight schedule, expected by April 28.
Major carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have already suspended bookings for Jodhpur-bound flights during this window. Travelers are advised to opt for full refunds or rebook through nearby hubs like Jaipur or Ahmedabad.
Srinagar and Adampur: Staggered Closures Ahead
Following Jodhpur, the Srinagar International Airport will implement a unique weekend closure model. Starting in August and lasting through mid-October, the airport will shut down every Saturday and Sunday for maintenance. Additionally, a complete 21-day shutdown is tentatively planned from October 16 to November 5. During this time, some operations may shift to the nearby Awantipur airbase to minimize traveler distress.
In Punjab, the Adampur Air Base (recently renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport) will see infrastructure upgrades after November. Officials indicate the runway adjustments could lead to an eight-month operational impact, though the specific dates for the full closure are still under review.
Pune Airport and Strategic Readiness
Pune Airport, one of India’s busiest civil enclaves, is also on the list for disruptions later this year. While the exact dates are not yet finalized, authorities expect an eight-day closure for resurfacing. This maintenance is vital as Pune serves as a critical base for Sukhoi Su-30MKI squadrons.
Ultimately, these repairs ensure that India’s air defense remains top-tier. While the temporary “isolation” of these cities is a setback for tourism, the long-term safety of both civilian passengers and military pilots remains the priority.
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