IAF to open Avantipora airbase at Srinagar for civilian aircraft

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has agreed to open its fighter base at Avantipora, near Srinagar, for civil operations. According to senior IAF officials, the arrangement is part of a policy decision taken by the government as far long back as October 2005 and would now be put into effect.

According to J&K government sources the arrangement would continue till 2008, when the Airports Authority of India (AAI) develops a new terminal and other basic infrastructure at Srinagar airport.

Srinagar was declared an international airport two years ago.

In this regard, the AAI has been assured all help by the IAF. The AAI is in the process of building-up infrastructure at 35 non-metro airports across the country. The IAF currently has 14 airfields under its control across the country.

Meanwhile, at a meeting between J&K chief minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad and the civil aviation minister, Praful Patel, also attended by Air Chief Marshal FH Major, secretary, civil aviation, Ashok Chawla, chairman, AAI, Dr K Ramalingam and other senior ministry officials, matters related to increasing the frequency of flights for Jammu-Srinagar and Kargil was taken up.

Also discussed was the development work to be carried out at the Leh airport and the possibilities of starting runway operations in areas like Kishtwar and Poonch in J&K.