Amritsar: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is set to implement significant changes to its flight operations starting April 1, 2026. According to Airport Director Bhupinder Singh, the move follows a mandatory NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to facilitate extensive runway repairs and technological upgrades. Between April 1 and September 27, 2026, the runway will remain entirely non-operational every day from 1:45 PM to 9:45 PM.
The primary focus of this six-month project is the re-carpeting of the 3,658-metre-long runway to ensure it meets international standards for handling heavy aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-800. In addition to structural reinforcement, the airport will upgrade its safety infrastructure by developing the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) and replacing over 2,000 traditional Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) units with energy-efficient LED lights. A new Individual Light Control Monitoring System (ILCMS) will also be installed to enhance visibility and safety during low-light conditions and inclement weather.
Airlines have already adjusted their summer schedules to accommodate these restricted hours, moving flights to early morning or late night slots. The summer roster includes 62 flights—40 domestic and 22 international—connecting Amritsar to major hubs like London, Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as Indian cities including Delhi and Mumbai. Airport management has urged passengers to verify updated flight timings with their respective airlines before heading to the terminal to avoid inconvenience during this critical maintenance period.