CM Omar Abdullah seeks Awantipora airbase use as Srinagar alternative

SRINAGAR: J&K CM Omar Abdullah met defence curate Rajnath Singh and Union civilian aviation curate Ram Mohan Naidu successful Delhi connected Friday and projected utilizing the Awantipora airbase arsenic an alternate for civilian flights during Srinagar airport’s Oct closure for maintenance.Omar pointed retired that the southbound Kashmir airbase was utilized arsenic an alternate during akin closures of Srinagar airdrome successful 1998 and 2010, arsenic helium emphasised the value of maintaining aerial connectivity to the Valley during the highest tourism season. Omar besides sought “the attraction docket beryllium reviewed and, if feasible, shortened, phased, oregon shifted to a leaner question window”.Omar said govt was moving connected imaginable alternatives to minimise disruption and support a basal formation schedule, arsenic had been done successful the past, pursuing the meeting.AAI plans to suspend operations astatine Srinagar airdrome from Oct 1-16 for runway attraction and different repairs. The Valley traditionally witnesses a monolithic influx of tourists from Bengal during Oct, erstwhile astir schools and colleges are unopen for Durga Puja festivities.