Air services to Kashmir Valley resume

In view of the strict curfew being implemented here,authorities have directed security forces to treat the air tickets as curfew passes for passengers flying in and out of the Valley.

To ensure hassle-free travel for the passengers,the authorities had asked them to report to Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in the city and not to head to the airport directly.

The Srinagar airport was closed for resurfacing,repair and upgradation on September three and subsequently the air traffic was diverted to Awantipora airbase,32 kilometres from here.

The government,however,suspended the air operations for three days from the airbase beginning Tuesday following complaints that airlines were cancelling flights randomly without intimating the passengers.

Airlines officials had cited the prevailing law and order situation in the Valley as the reason for flight cancellations.

The repair and upgradation of Srinagar International Airport were earlier slated to be taken up in May but rescheduled due to the summer tourist season,an official spokesman said,adding accordingly,it was decided to take up the work only from September 3.

He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with Defence Minister A K Antony and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel for operating the Awantipora airbase from September 3 so that the people did not face any inconvenience during the holy month of Ramzan and the Eid-ul-Fitr festival.