Key Takeaways
- Srinagar’s daily flights have dropped from over 100 to about half that number.
- Passenger traffic has also collapsed, now at roughly one-third of previous levels.
- Airlines are pushing for waiver of user charges to revive demand.
- Safety concerns and airspace restrictions add further strain.
- The Valley’s tourism revival hinges on restoring reliable and affordable air connectivity.
Srinagar, September 30, 2025 — Air traffic to Srinagar’s Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport has plunged drastically, with flight operations being nearly halved compared to earlier this year, according to new data and aviation sources.
Dramatic Drop in Flights, Passengers
Earlier in April 2025, the airport handled as many as 102 daily flights carrying around 19,140 passengers. Those numbers have since dropped sharply. The latest data shows that both flight movements and passenger volumes for Srinagar have been cut by nearly 50 percent.
This decline comes after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which shattered traveler confidence and triggered a collapse in Kashmir’s tourism sector.
Airlines Seek Relief Amid ‘No Travel Demand’
Faced with the nosedive in demand, airlines serving Srinagar have formally requested the government to waive airport and security user charges at Srinagar for a year. They argue that such a waiver could help reduce ticket costs and give air travel to Kashmir a much-needed boost.
A senior aviation source stated: “Scheduled flights to and from Srinagar have halved, and air traveler numbers are now only about a third of what they were prior to the Pahalgam attack.”
Security, Perception and Operational Challenges
Beyond pure demand, security concerns and public perception have deepened the crisis. The terror strike intensified fears among tourists and travelers over safety in the region.
Furthermore, Srinagar’s connectivity is also affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace, which has forced airlines to reroute or cancel some flights, adding costs and complexity to schedules.
What This Means for Kashmir’s Tourism & Economy
The reduction in flights compounds the troubles already faced by the tourism and hospitality industry in Kashmir. Hotels, tour operators, and ancillary service providers are feeling the brunt. Restoring air connectivity is critical for reviving visitor flow and economic stability in the Valley.
Industry insiders believe that a combination of competitive air fares, security assurances, and government incentives will be necessary to revive Srinagar’s skies.
Key Takeaways
The Valley’s tourism revival hinges on restoring reliable and affordable air connectivity.
Srinagar’s daily flights have dropped from over 100 to about half that number.
Passenger traffic has also collapsed, now at roughly one-third of previous levels.
Airlines are pushing for waiver of user charges to revive demand.
Safety concerns and airspace restrictions add further strain.
