Srinagar: The ₹1,667-crore expansion of Srinagar International Airport is expected to be completed within four years, increasing its annual passenger handling capacity fourfold from 2.5 million to 10 million passengers, Airport Director Javid Anjum said.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the “Yatri Suvidha Diwas” celebrations scheduled for June 15, Anjum said the project would transform Srinagar Airport into a modern aviation hub with facilities comparable to international standards.
He said the expansion project will increase the terminal area from 20,000 square metres to 71,000 square metres and include a multi-level parking facility with space for 1,000 vehicles. The upgraded airport will also be capable of handling 15 aircraft simultaneously.
Highlighting the airport’s growth trajectory, Anjum said annual passenger traffic has more than doubled over the past decade, rising from 2.04 million passengers in 2014-15 to 4.47 million in 2024-25. However, passenger footfall declined to 3.38 million in 2025-26 following the Pahalgam incident.
The Airport Director said several modern passenger-centric facilities have been introduced in recent years, including Digi Yatra, self-baggage drop systems, free Wi-Fi, EV charging stations, e-carts, a Flybrary, laptop workstations, smoking lounges, children’s play areas, and expanded shopping and dining options.
He said Srinagar Airport continues to play a pivotal role in promoting tourism in Kashmir by enhancing domestic connectivity and facilitating easier access for visitors to the Valley.
On cargo operations, Anjum said air freight handled at the airport has increased from around 7,000 metric tonnes to 10,500 metric tonnes over the last five years, though the airport has an annual cargo handling capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes. (KDC)
