The Minister for Civil Aviation welcomed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approval for a Rs 16,770 mn expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport, to be implemented by the Airports Authority of India. The decision was described as a historic milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure and accelerating inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar International Airport handled four point four seven mn passengers in fiscal year 2024–25, recorded nearly 28,500 aircraft movements and processed around 10,000 t of cargo, with seasonal peaks in the summer months stretching the existing terminal capacity. Those figures were cited as evidence of the urgent need for expansion.

The approved project will raise annual passenger handling capacity fourfold from two point five mn to 10 mn and will increase peak hour handling from 950 to 2,900 passengers, significantly easing congestion and enhancing passenger convenience. The apron will be expanded to accommodate 15 aircraft, including wide?body types, enabling enhanced domestic and international connectivity and positioning Srinagar as a key aviation gateway for northern India.

Tourism presently contributes around seven per cent to Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross State Domestic Product and is projected to rise to between 10 and 12 per cent over the coming years. The Union Territory receives about 17 mn visitors annually and this figure is expected to increase to between 27 mn and 30 mn by 2030 under moderate growth scenarios, supporting substantial direct and indirect employment across airport operations, airlines, hospitality, tourism, logistics and allied sectors.

The expansion is expected to facilitate exports of regional high?value products such as apples, saffron, handicrafts, hand?knotted carpets, dry fruits and horticultural produce while the new terminal will reflect Kashmiri cultural heritage and incorporate state?of?the?art technology and sustainable design features, including energy?efficient systems, optimal natural lighting and water conservation measures targeting a high GRIHA sustainability rating. The Minister stated that after reviewing the works last year the government aims to develop a modern terminal within two years and that the project reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to regional integration and economic prosperity.