The project covers 73.18 acres and introduces a cutting-edge terminal of 71,500 square meters, building on 20,659 square meters of current infrastructure. Capable of managing 2,900 passengers at peak times with a yearly throughput of 10 million, it addresses surging demand effectively.

Infrastructure enhancements feature 15 aircraft parking bays on an expanded apron, including provisions for a wide-body aircraft, alongside the existing IAF-operated runway measuring 3,658 by 45 meters. A 1,000-car multi-level parking complex rounds out the facilities, ensuring seamless ground support.

Cultural aesthetics shine through in the terminal’s design, integrating Kashmiri woodwork and artisan motifs with contemporary functionality. Travelers can look forward to optimized lounges, robust security protocols, and swift check-in processes, all while accommodations for security forces are constructed.

Situated 12 kilometers from downtown Srinagar within the Badgam airbase, this AAI-operated gateway earned its international tag in 2005. Beyond bricks and mortar, the upgrade fuels economic momentum by bolstering tourism to landmarks such as Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens.

Job creation, investment inflows, and elevated regional prominence are on the horizon. This initiative not only upgrades passenger amenities but also amplifies Kashmir’s global appeal, blending heritage with modernity to drive prosperity and connectivity in the Union Territory.

Closure hit on January 23 when snow piled up around the Nawgam Tunnel, halting all movement. Now, with the highway cleared, normalcy is returning step by step. Srinagar Airport has resumed operations, barring three Delhi flights canceled due to crew shortages on Sunday.

However, caution is advised: Srinagar-Leh Highway, Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass, and Razdan Pass roads are still off-limits. Traffic control room clearance is mandatory before any travel attempts on these stretches.

Looking ahead, the meteorological office predicts intermittent rain and snow from January 26-27, ranging from light to heavy in isolated pockets, possibly with gusty winds and thunder. Agricultural work is suspended until the 28th for farmers, and high-risk avalanche areas in elevated regions are no-go zones.

Chilly nights prevailed with Srinagar at -1.6°C minimum, Gulmarg shivering at -10.2°C, and Pahalgam at -6.2°C. Jammu stayed milder at 7.1°C, while Katra logged 6.2°C, Batote -0.1°C, Banihal -2°C, and Bhadrawah -4°C.

The timely snowfall ends worries after a long dry phase, replenishing vital water sources for the warmer months ahead. This marks the season’s first snow in the plains on January 23, during the peak of ‘Chilla Kalaan’—the 40-day harsh winter from December 21 to January 30.

In a proactive move, IndiGo took to X to update travelers: the airline is vigilantly tracking conditions and pulling out all stops to ensure safe journeys. ‘Please check your flight status regularly on our website or app,’ they urged, highlighting the risk of sudden alterations due to rapidly changing weather.

Srinagar has been a hotspot for cancellations, Leh saw a complete shutdown from blizzards, and low visibility plagues Chandigarh and Dharamshala. Ground transport hasn’t escaped unscathed, with the vital Jammu-Srinagar highway briefly sealed off.

IndiGo’s ground crew stands ready with rebooking, refunds, and more, appreciating the understanding shown by passengers. As the cold spell persists through January, the airline anticipates a swift return to normalcy once weather improves.

This scenario underscores the challenges of operating in India’s foggy north, where climate patterns demand resilience from both airlines and flyers. Travelers are reminded to verify statuses twice before departing and reach out for support, ensuring minimal hassle in these turbulent times.

Upon being informed about the baggage limit, the officer reportedly became enraged and physically attacked the airline staff. He repeatedly punched and kicked the employees, continuing the assault even after one employee lost consciousness. Several staff members sustained serious injuries, including spinal and jaw injuries.

The injured employees were rushed to the hospital and are currently under medical treatment. The officer was found to be carrying two pieces of cabin baggage weighing a total of 16 kg, significantly exceeding the permitted limit. When asked to pay the required charges, the officer refused. He then entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process, a breach of aviation security protocols. A CISF official escorted him back to the gate. There, the officer became increasingly aggressive and physically assaulted four SpiceJet ground staff members.

Local police have registered an FIR, and the airline has initiated the process to place the officer on the no-fly list according to civil aviation regulations. SpiceJet has also notified the Ministry of Civil Aviation about the assault and requested appropriate action. The airline has secured the CCTV footage of the incident from airport authorities and handed it over to the police.