**Executive Summary**
The Minister for Civil Aviation has announced the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs’ approval for the ₹1,677 crore expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport, to be implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The expansion aims to significantly increase passenger handling capacity and enhance connectivity, positioning Srinagar as a key aviation gateway. The Minister stated that the new state-of-the-art terminal in Srinagar will be developed within the next two years.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Approval and Implementation:**
* The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the ₹1,677 crore expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport.
* The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will implement the project.
* **Capacity Expansion:**
* The airport's annual passenger handling capacity will increase from 2.5 million to 10 million passengers.
* Peak hour passenger handling capacity will rise from 950 to 2,900 passengers.
* Apron will be expanded to accommodate 15 aircraft, including wide-body aircraft.
* **Economic Impact and Tourism:**
* The expansion is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment across airport operations, airlines, hospitality, tourism, logistics, and allied sectors.
* Enhanced connectivity will facilitate exports of high-value regional products.
* Tourism contributes around 7% to Jammu & Kashmir's Gross State Domestic Product, projected to increase to 10–12%.
* Visitor numbers are expected to rise from 1.7 crore to 2.7–3.0 crore by 2030.
* **Sustainability and Design:**
* The new terminal will reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
* It will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and sustainable design features, targeting a high GRIHA sustainability rating.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Passengers**
* **Impact:** Reduced congestion, enhanced convenience, and improved access to domestic and international destinations.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Airlines**
* **Impact:** Increased capacity to operate more flights and cater to a larger passenger base.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Tourism Sector**
* **Impact:** Increased tourism potential for Jammu & Kashmir, contributing to economic growth.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Local Economy of Jammu & Kashmir**
* **Impact:** Increased employment opportunities and facilitation of exports of regional products.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
**Stakeholder: Airports Authority of India (AAI)**
* **Impact:** Responsibility for implementing the expansion project.
* **Action Required:** Implementation of the project as approved.
Key Entities Referenced
Airports Authority of India (AAI): The agency responsible for implementing the expansion project at Srinagar International Airport.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs: The committee that approved the expansion of Srinagar International Airport.
Srinagar International Airport: Location of expansion project, and focal point of the press release.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The ministry overseeing the expansion of Srinagar International Airport.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Ram
Mohan Naidu Welcomes Cabinet Approval for
Expansion of Srinagar International Airport
Posted On: 24 FEB 2026 7:50PM by PIB Delhi
Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, has welcomed the approval of the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs for the ₹1,677 crore expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar
International Airport. The project, to be implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), marks a
historic milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure and accelerating inclusive development in
Jammu & Kashmir.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government remains
committed to transforming regional connectivity and unlocking the immense economic potential of the
Union Territory.
Srinagar International Airport currently handles approximately 44.7 lakh passengers annually (FY 2024–
25), nearly 28,500 aircraft movements, and around 10,000 metric tonnes of cargo. Seasonal peaks,
particularly during the summer months, have consistently stretched the existing terminal capacity, clearly
demonstrating the urgent need for expansion.
The approved project will increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity fourfold — from 2.5
million to 10 million passengers per annum. Peak hour passenger handling capacity will rise 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 aircraft, enabling enhanced domestic and
international connectivity and positioning Srinagar as a key aviation gateway for Northern India.
Tourism presently contributes around 7% to Jammu & Kashmir’s Gross State Domestic Product. With
improved air connectivity and world-class infrastructure, this share is projected to increase to 10–12%
over the coming years. The Union Territory currently receives approximately 1.7 crore visitors annually, a
figure expected to rise to 2.7–3.0 crore by 2030 under moderate growth, and potentially higher under
accelerated growth scenarios.
The expansion is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment across airport
operations, airlines, hospitality, tourism, logistics and allied sectors. Enhanced connectivity will also
facilitate exports of high-value regional products such as apples, saffron, handicrafts, hand-knotted
carpets, dry fruits and horticultural produce.
The new terminal will reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir while incorporating 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu stated:“Driven by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s commitment for development of the state of
Jammu & Kashmir and following the abrogation of Article 370, Srinagar Airport has emerged as a symbol
of the Kashmir Valley’s resurgence. Last year, I had personally visited and reviewed the expansion works
at Srinagar airport. We are going to develop a modern, state-of-the-art terminal in Srinagar within next
two years. It is going to accelerate development of the region by enhancing connectivity and
strengthening local industries.”
The project reaffirms the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening regional integration,
promoting economic prosperity, and ensuring that the aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir are
fully realized.
****
Divyanshu Kumar
(Release ID: 2232352) Visitor Counter : 151