In a valley where connectivity is not just a convenience but a lifeline, the decision to slash winter flights to Srinagar from nearly 60 to just 39 daily operations is more than a seasonal adjustment; it is a strategic misstep with far-reaching consequences. As Kashmir braces for its long, isolating winter, the reduction in air traffic threatens to deepen the Valley’s disconnection at a time when it most needs access, reassurance and recovery.
The timing of the decision could not be more unfortunate. Pahalgam attack earlier this year dealt a heavy blow to traveller confidence, triggering a sharp dip in tourist arrivals. Instead of a rebound, the Valley now faces a further setback with fewer flights, limited routes and the discontinuation of direct connectivity to key cities like Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Dehradun and Bhubaneswar. These routes once served as vital arteries for both tourism and local mobility. Their absence now signals a retreat from the promise of integration and development.
Tourism, the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, is already in a fragile state. The government has made certain efforts to revive interest through festivals, concerts and now opening up of Asia’s largest chrysanthemum garden. But such soft power initiatives must be matched by hard infrastructure. Without reliable and sufficient air connectivity, these promotional campaigns risk becoming hollow gestures. Tour operators, hoteliers, and artisans; many of whom depend on seasonal footfall are left grappling with uncertainty. The cancellation of the only international flight to Dubai, once a symbol of Kashmir’s global outreach, further narrows the Valley’s horizons.
For locals, the implications are equally severe. Winter in Kashmir is not just a season; it is a test of endurance. Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link to the rest of India, is frequently blocked for days due to snow, landslides and poor visibility. Train tickets are often booked months in advance, leaving air travel as the only viable option for emergencies, medical needs and professional obligations. With fewer flights, ticket prices are likely to surge and availability will become even more constrained. The result is a sense of isolation that goes beyond geography; it affects livelihoods, mental well-being and access to opportunity.
The situation is further aggravated by the incomplete installation of the upgraded landing system at Srinagar Airport. Poor visibility during December and January routinely leads to flight cancellations and without the promised technological improvements, the reliability of air travel remains in question. This not only affects passengers but also erodes confidence in the Valley’s preparedness to host tourists and conduct business year-round.
There is a growing disconnect between the narrative of revival of tourism and the reality on the ground. If the aim is to position Kashmir as a safe, accessible and welcoming destination, then air connectivity must be treated as a strategic priority. Valley cannot afford to be cut off; not when its economy depends on visitors, not when its people depend on mobility and not when its future depends on staying connected to the world. The reduction in flights may be a response to market forces, but its consequences ripple far beyond the balance sheets of airlines. It is a decision that demands urgent reconsideration.