Jodhpur Airport to Suspend Civil Flights for 30 Days Starting March 29: IAF Announces NOTAM
Synopsis
Civil flight operations at Jodhpur Airport will be suspended for 30 days starting March 29 due to runway re-carpeting, as announced by the Indian Air Force. This vital maintenance is expected to disrupt air travel to major cities but is crucial for ensuring long-term operational safety.
Key Takeaways
Jodhpur Airport will close for 30 days starting March 29.
This closure is due to important runway re-carpeting work.
All civil flight operations will be canceled during this period.
The project is expected to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Travelers should check with airlines for updates and alternatives.
Jaipur, March 17 (NationPress) Civil aviation activities at Jodhpur Airport are set to be halted for a duration of nearly one month following a 'Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)' issued by the Indian Air Force. This suspension will initiate at 6:30 PM on March 29 and continue until 6:30 PM on April 27, affecting travel connectivity to multiple major cities.
A NOTAM serves as an official notification for pilots, airlines, and aviation authorities regarding alterations such as maintenance operations or limitations at airports or within airspace.
The Airports Authority of India has clarified that while Jodhpur Airport operates as a civil enclave, the runway is under the control of the Indian Air Force, which is undergoing resurfacing for the first time in nearly seven years.
Initially scheduled to commence on March 1, this project will now unfold in stages, with completion anticipated by May. The runway re-carpeting will occur over three phases; phase one will see partial closure of approximately one-third of the runway.
Aircraft such as the Airbus A320 are permitted to operate, whereas larger models like the A321 cannot. Phase two will witness a complete closure of the runway for work on the central section, halting all civil flights.
Final repairs will be conducted in phase three, allowing limited operations to resume. Jodhpur Airport serves as a joint-use facility, accommodating both civil and military aircraft on a single runway.
Due to the stricter technical requirements for fighter jets and military aircraft, regular maintenance is crucial. Its strategic location near the border further underscores the need for these upgrades.
Currently, Jodhpur is linked to cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, with around 14 daily flights (28 movements).
Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express have ceased bookings after March 28. All flights will remain canceled throughout the closure period. While this temporary shutdown may pose challenges for travelers, authorities emphasize that it is essential for long-term safety and operational effectiveness.
Point of View
It is my responsibility to inform our audience that the temporary suspension of civil flight operations at Jodhpur Airport is a necessary measure for ensuring the long-term safety and operational efficiency of this important aviation hub.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jodhpur Airport closing?
Jodhpur Airport is closing for runway re-carpeting as per the NOTAM issued by the Indian Air Force, effective from March 29 to April 27.
How long will the closure last?
The closure will last for 30 days, starting from 6:30 PM on March 29 until 6:30 PM on April 27.
Which flights are affected?
All civil flights will be canceled during the closure period, affecting connectivity to major cities.
What types of aircraft can operate during the closure?
During phase one, only smaller aircraft like the Airbus A320 can operate; larger planes like the A321 cannot.
What is the reason for the runway upgrade?
The runway is being resurfaced after nearly seven years to meet stricter technical requirements for military and civil operations.
