SRINAGAR: Two scheduled Hajj flights from Srinagar have been cancelled amid the ongoing closure of the city’s airport, disrupting the travel plans of hundreds of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir.
Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan prompted the cancellations following recent cross-border developments. The Executive Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee, Dr Shujhat Ahmad Qureshi, confirmed the suspension of flights scheduled for May 7 and 8.
“Due to the prevailing situation, operations are temporarily suspended. The situation is being assessed, but we had high chances of cancellation – which has now been confirmed,” Dr Qureshi said.
The cancelled departures included one flight carrying 320 pilgrims bound for Madina on Tuesday. As of now, there is no update on when flight operations might resume.
“The closure of the airport and growing security concerns have left us with little clarity regarding upcoming schedules. A revised schedule will be communicated as soon as possible,” Dr Qureshi added.
The flight scheduled on May 9 is on standby and the final call will be taken after assessing the situation further.
The temporary closure of Srinagar International Airport comes as security forces remain on high alert across the Union Territory, following Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Army in retaliation for the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The Haj Committee said it is working closely with authorities and airlines to reschedule the disrupted departures once the situation stabilises.
