SRINAGAR, June 13 (KNS): The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will observe ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ on June 15 at Srinagar International Airport, showcasing a raft of passenger-centric initiatives and a massive ?1,667 crore expansion plan aimed at transforming the facility into a world-class gateway to Kashmir, officials said.
The event is designed to highlight significant growth in air connectivity, with passenger handling rising from 2.04 million in 2014-15 to 4.47 million in 2024-25, though it witnessed a dip to 3.38 million in 2025-26 post-Pahalgam, they added.
Modern facilities including Digi Yatra, self-baggage drop, free Wi-Fi, EV charging stations, a flylibrary, kids’ zone, smoking lounges, and a mix of global and regional dining options are now available across the terminal complex, the AAI said.
Cargo operations have also seen robust growth, increasing from 7,000 metric tonnes to 10,500 metric tonnes over the last five years, against an annual handling capacity of 40,000 MT, facilitating faster movement of perishable goods, handicrafts, and industrial products.
In a major infrastructural push, the government has sanctioned ?1,667 crore for a four-year expansion project that will raise terminal capacity from 2.5 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 10 MPPA. The terminal area will expand from 20,000 sqm to 71,000 sqm, and a multi-level car parking facility with capacity for 1,000 vehicles will be added. The new terminal will be able to handle 15 aircraft simultaneously, officials said.
A new airport link road from the ring road is also being planned in association with the Union Territory administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ease passenger access, they added.
The day-long celebrations on June 15 will include cultural performances, folk dances, plantation and cleanliness drives, health check-ups, blood donation camps, painting competitions, and a seminar on aviation with a special focus on the role of women. Selfie booths, digital displays, and ‘paint your ideas’ stations for passengers have also been planned.
“Yatri Suvidha Diwas is not merely a celebration but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the philosophy of ‘Passenger First’,” an AAI spokesperson said.
The airport administration remains dedicated to continuously improving services, embracing technology, and ensuring that every passenger enjoys a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey, the spokesperson added. (KNS)
