Four civil airports operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) will undergo temporary shutdowns this year due to scheduled runway recarpeting, affecting flight operations at Jodhpur, Srinagar, Pune and Adampur.

Officials said the closures will be carried out in phases, with airlines already informed through the government’s slot coordination process. Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) have also been issued for some of the planned shutdowns.

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Jodhpur to shut first; Srinagar, Pune and Adampur next

Jodhpur airport will be the first to be affected, with operations set to remain suspended from March 29 to April 27. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express, have already stopped bookings for flights beyond March 28.

Srinagar airport will see partial closures on weekends between August and mid-October, followed by a complete shutdown from October 16 to November 5, officials said.

Pune airport is also expected to face disruptions later this year, although the detailed schedule is yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Adampur air base in Punjab is likely to undergo runway work after November, with a closure expected to last up to eight months.

Why these airports need frequent maintenance

All four airports are dual-use facilities, handling both civil and military operations. Officials said runways at such airports require regular upkeep to meet the stricter technical standards of fighter jets and other military aircraft.

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Their strategic location, particularly those closer to the Pakistan border, adds to the importance of maintaining optimal runway conditions.

The planned maintenance is expected to disrupt civil flight operations for limited periods, with airlines adjusting schedules accordingly. Passengers have been advised to check flight status and availability in advance.