The Advisory Committee on Srinagar International Airport headed by senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member Parliament, Tariq Hameed Karra has sought immediate operation of night flights and international flights from Srinagar Airport.The Advisory Committee, which met here Saturday under the chairmanship of Karra, observed that in view of the tourist season there is urgency of starting early morning and late night flights to and from Srinagar Airport.Karra said the matter regarding operation of early morning and late night flights from Srinagar Airport has already been taken up with the concerned authorities in Government of India and a decision is likely to be taken soon. He also called for operation of direct flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
It was also decided in the meeting that the issue regarding naming of Srinagar International Airport as Sheikh-ul-Aalam International Airport would be taken up with the government of India.The meeting decided that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would be asked to improve facilities at the Airport to make it more people-friendly by installing vehicle scanner at the drop gate, increasing number of X-BIS machines at the drop gate and increase in number of entry gates at the terminal building.It was decided in the meeting that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would run a shuttle service from the drop-gate upto the terminal building of the Airport to facilitate the passengers who arrive in public transport.
The meeting also decided that prepaid fares for taxis, duly authenticated by the Transport Department, would be displayed prominently for the convenience of the passengers.The meeting decided that a waiting hall would be established outside the terminal building for the convenience of the people accompanying the passengers.The other issues discussed in the meeting include expansion of the terminal building, setting up of integrated cargo terminal, increase in number of arrival conveyor belts, making adequate heating arrangements inside the terminal building, improving washroom facilities and public address system and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
The meeting also impressed upon the airlines to increase flight frequency on Srinagar-Leh sector.Director Srinagar Airport, Rajesh Shinde, DC Budgam, Director Tourism Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Shah, SSP Srinagar Airport, Khurshid Ahmad of Jet Airways; Muhammad Iqbal from Air India, Justice (retd) Muzaffar Jan, Faiz Bakshi of KCCI, Shamim Ahmad Shah of TAI, Showkat Ahmas Pakhtoo of TASK and representatives of IAF and CRPF were also present at the meeting.