Srinagar Airport is an international airport which is located in Srinagar at Jammu and Kashmir. The Srinagar Airport is also operated for the Hajj pilgrimage charters to Jeddah. The airport was granted international status by the Union Cabinet on 27 January 2005. The airport had undergone extensive renovations, including improving the runway, a new terminal for departure and arrival, air bridges and other operational facilities, and was inaugurated on 14 February 2009 by an Air India flight from Dubai.
Etymology of Srinagar Airport
Srinagar Airport is commonly known as "Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport", which is a domestic and chartered airport of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The name of the airport was given to it after the names of famous saints who were collectively called Sheikh-ul-Alam. As this airport was established during the time of India and Pakistan partition, hence it is very secure. Few years ago, chartered plane services were added which include chartered flights to Dubai and Hajj.
Terminals at Srinagar Airport
Srinagar Airport has a domestic terminal from where flights to major Indian cities commence. This terminal runs flights to 7 major cities of India. A new terminal and air bridges are also added in this terminal for more flights. Chartered terminal of Srinagar airport runs flight on seasonal basis. Also, during the Hajj pilgrimage, this terminal run chartered flights to Jeddah. This terminal only opens during the pilgrimage season.
Facilities at Srinagar Airport
The baggage services at this airport are highly advanced. Various eating joints are available on Srinagar Airport which serves delicious food to customers. There are various shops which provide reading material, stationary and clothing items including some traditional clothing too. No duty free shops are available at the Srinagar airport.
Transportation from Srinagar Airport
The airport is connected to the city via different forms of transport that help passengers reach their destination. Srinagar Airport is located at a distance of 12 km from Srinagar bus stand. One can reach airport via private taxi and state bus services which run at regular basis. Srinagar railway station is situated 14 km from the airport and is directly connected via private taxi services to airport. Public transport can be proficiently availed in order to commute to and from Srinagar International Airport.