SRINAGAR: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Farooq Abdullah Monday chaired a meeting of Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) of Srinagar International Airport.
The meeting discussed various issues pertaining to development and improvements for the benefit of passengers travelling through Srinagar International Airport.
“We reiterated our demand to name the Srinagar Airport as Sheikh-Ul-Alam International Airport, which despite so many assurances have not been filled so far,” said president, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, who attended the meeting. “Chairman Airport Authority  Advisory  Committee assured  us that this will  be taken up with  Ministry of Home,  so that  it is given the  name  at the earliest.”
The meeting also deliberated upon issues like operation of international flights, late night flights to/from Srinagar, morning flights besides discussing measures being taken for upgradation of airport including better facilities for the passengers.
Farooq Abdullah assured the meeting that he will take the matters related to development and upgradation of Srinagar International Airport with concerned authorities and will pursue for the same with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Defence so that issues are resolved. The Union Minister directed Airport Director to take immediate steps for upgraded facilities for the passengers in various points including Restaurant, Lavatory, Entry gates and Waiting Hall besides adequate security arrangements in the Airport so that comfortable and hassle free travel  is ensured at the Airport.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Shalindra Kumar, Airport Director KS Rao, Dy. Commissioner, Budgam and SSP Budgam, besides representatives of airlines, TASK, KHAROF, KHARA, TAAI, Taxi Association and prominent citizens, were also present in the meeting. Earlier, the Union Minister inaugurated two new Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) constructed with a cost of Rs 2 crore increasing the total number of these bridges to 4.

Reader correspondent