Srinagar: Three flights to and from Srinagar International Airport have been cancelled. Airport officials said the cancellations were due to the closure of airspace over Delhi Airport to facilitate security arrangements for rehearsals of the Republic Day celebrations at the Red Fort in the national capital.
According to Airport Director Javed Anjum, only three flights were cancelled on January 19 due to the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued in Delhi. All other operations proceeded as scheduled.
The cancelled flights to and from Srinagar Airport included one each from IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. These flights were scheduled to arrive at 8:10 AM, 2:10 PM, and 1:50 PM respectively.
Airport officials said the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will remain in effect for six days, from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM, until January 26, when the Republic Day parade will be held at the Red Fort.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies have intensified security arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations in Jammu, Srinagar, and other cities of the Union Territory. Senior officials said stringent security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful celebration.
Officials said the deployment of security forces has been increased on highways and other sensitive areas. The main function will be held in Jammu, the winter capital of the Union Territory, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the ceremony.
In Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to address the gathering at Bakshi Stadium. Three ministers—Sakina Itoo in Anantnag, Javed Ahmed Rana in Poonch, Javed Ahmed Dar in Baramulla, and Satish Sharma in Kathua—will preside over the ceremonies in their respective districts.
