Pune Airport Among 4 to Face Temporary Shutdown; Here’s Why Flights Will Be Affected During Runway Repairs

Air travellers across India may need to rethink their plans in the coming months as multiple key airports prepare for temporary shutdowns. These closures aren’t due to unforeseen issues but are part of a planned maintenance drive aimed at upgrading runway infrastructure—especially at airports that handle both civilian and military operations.

According to reports, four such airports—Jodhpur, Srinagar, Pune, and Adampur—will undergo phased closures this year. Since these facilities are operated by the Indian Air Force and serve dual purposes, maintaining runway quality is critical, which will inevitably lead to disruptions in commercial flight services.

Jodhpur to be the first affected

The first shutdown will take place at Jodhpur airport, where operations will be completely halted from March 29 to April 27. During this period, no civil flights will operate.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have already responded by suspending bookings beyond March 28. This early move reflects the scale of the disruption and gives passengers time to adjust their travel plans.

Authorities have issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), officially notifying airlines and pilots about the closure. The maintenance work is part of a long-pending upgrade, with the final phase expected to conclude by May.

Srinagar to face phased disruptions later

Srinagar airport will not shut all at once but will experience disruptions in stages later in the year.

The airport is expected to remain closed on weekends from August until mid-October.

A complete shutdown is scheduled from October 16 to November 5.

Pune and Adampur closures coming up

Pune airport is also on the list for runway renovation. However, the exact timeline has not yet been officially confirmed. Once dates are announced, passengers can expect changes in flight schedules and possible cancellations.

Meanwhile, Adampur Air Base in Punjab is likely to experience one of the longest shutdowns. Reports suggest the closure could last up to eight months, potentially beginning towards the end of the year. This extended duration could significantly impact connectivity in the region.

Why these shutdowns are necessary

Unlike standard civilian airports, these four locations are shared with the Indian Air Force. This means their runways must support not just commercial aircraft but also high-performance military jets.

Fighter aircraft demand stricter technical standards, and regular resurfacing or recarpeting of runways is essential to ensure safety and efficiency. Additionally, some of these airports are located near strategically sensitive areas, further increasing the need for timely maintenance.

What travellers should keep in mind

With airlines already adjusting schedules and halting bookings for certain periods, passengers are advised to stay updated on flight changes and plan accordingly. Checking with airlines before finalising travel plans will be crucial, especially for routes involving these airports.