BuzzBytes Srinagar, 14 Dec:
Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, senior leader of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Member of Parliament Anantnag, raised the demand for the resumption of international flights from Srinagar to Dubai/Sharjah and the initiation of international flights from Srinagar to Jeddah to facilitate pilgrims’ air travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking in Lok Sabha under rule 163, Masoodi highlighted that airlines currently operate via Delhi, causing extended travel time and inconvenience for passengers who have to change aircraft. He emphasized the convenience of direct flights from Srinagar to Dubai/Sharjah.
In response, the Minister of Civil Aviation mentioned that designated carriers were free to operate international air services to any foreign destination covered under bilateral Air Service Agreements. The decision to operate such air services would be made by scheduled airlines based on economic viability and other factors. The Minister also noted that direct flights were already operational from Srinagar.
