Four civil airports operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) will undergo temporary shutdowns as their runways are set to be recarpeted to ensure smoother operations for both military and civilian aircraft. The affected airports include Jodhpur, Srinagar, Pune, and Adampur, where civilian flight services will be disrupted during the scheduled maintenance periods.
Jodhpur Airport to Shut for Nearly a Month
Starting with Jodhpur airport, the IAF has issued a "Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)" for runway recarpeting. As a result, civilian flight operations will remain suspended from March 29 to April 27.
The recarpeting work will be carried out in three phases, with the final phase expected to be completed by May. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have already halted bookings after March 28.
Strategic Importance Behind Maintenance
Since fighter jets and military aircraft have stricter technical requirements, regular runway maintenance is essential. Jodhpur airport’s proximity to the Pakistan border further enhances its strategic importance, making these upgrades crucial for IAF operations.
As all four airports are joint-use facilities serving both civil and military purposes, runway surfaces must meet the operational standards required for fighter jets and other defence aircraft.
Srinagar and Pune to See Disruptions Later
Srinagar airport will remain closed on weekends from August to mid-October due to similar maintenance work. Meanwhile, Pune airport is also expected to experience operational disruptions later in the year, with detailed schedules to be announced in due course.
Adampur Air Base Upgrade After November
Adampur air base in Punjab, one of the most significant IAF bases near the Pakistan border, will undergo runway adjustments after November. The base, which played a key role during Operation Sindoor, was recently reviewed by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh for operational preparedness.
[With TOI inputs]
Jodhpur Airport to Shut for Nearly a Month
Starting with Jodhpur airport, the IAF has issued a "Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)" for runway recarpeting. As a result, civilian flight operations will remain suspended from March 29 to April 27.
The recarpeting work will be carried out in three phases, with the final phase expected to be completed by May. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have already halted bookings after March 28.
Strategic Importance Behind Maintenance
Since fighter jets and military aircraft have stricter technical requirements, regular runway maintenance is essential. Jodhpur airport’s proximity to the Pakistan border further enhances its strategic importance, making these upgrades crucial for IAF operations.
As all four airports are joint-use facilities serving both civil and military purposes, runway surfaces must meet the operational standards required for fighter jets and other defence aircraft.
Srinagar and Pune to See Disruptions Later
Srinagar airport will remain closed on weekends from August to mid-October due to similar maintenance work. Meanwhile, Pune airport is also expected to experience operational disruptions later in the year, with detailed schedules to be announced in due course.
Adampur Air Base Upgrade After November
Adampur air base in Punjab, one of the most significant IAF bases near the Pakistan border, will undergo runway adjustments after November. The base, which played a key role during Operation Sindoor, was recently reviewed by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh for operational preparedness.
[With TOI inputs]
