Jammu and Kashmir tourism has surged, recording 36,410 foreign visitors and 1,77,28,980 domestic travellers as Srinagar's Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport stands ready to handle international flights.
Summary: Jammu and Kashmir tourism is on the rise — official figures report 36,410 foreign visitors and 1,77,28,980 domestic travellers — while Srinagar’s Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport is equipped to receive international flights, pending airline decisions.
Jammu and Kashmir tourism has seen an exceptional uptick in recent months, with government data pointing to strong gains among both foreign and domestic travellers. Authorities and industry stakeholders say the rise reflects the region’s natural appeal, improving infrastructure and renewed traveller confidence.
Record visitor numbers
In response to a question from MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the Tourism Department disclosed that Jammu and Kashmir welcomed 36,410 foreign tourists alongside 1,77,28,980 domestic visitors. These totals underline a rapid recovery and growing interest in the region as a travel destination.
- Foreign visitors: 36,410
- Domestic visitors: 1,77,28,980
Drivers of the resurgence
Officials attribute the surge to Jammu and Kashmir’s well-known scenic landscapes and cultural attractions, combined with upgrades to local roads, hotels and visitor sites. Improved security and targeted promotion have also encouraged more travellers from across India to visit.
Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport prepared for international arrivals
The Government has confirmed that Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is fully equipped to handle international flights. Authorities say immigration, customs, security checks and passenger services are in place to process overseas travellers smoothly.
- Immigration and customs facilities are operational
- Security and passenger services have been upgraded
- Terminal infrastructure is configured for international arrivals
While the airport’s infrastructure is ready, officials emphasise that restarting international services rests with airline operators, who must evaluate commercial viability and passenger demand before launching routes to Srinagar.
What airlines will consider
Airlines will weigh multiple factors before reinstating international services: expected passenger volumes, commercial returns, operational costs and the broader security and travel environment. The government has expressed hope that carriers will make the necessary commercial decisions to resume flights.
- Market demand and passenger forecasts
- Route profitability and operational costs
- Security and regulatory considerations
Government and industry coordination
Authorities are maintaining airport readiness while promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, appealing destination. Efforts include collaboration with airlines, tour operators and travel agencies to create demand and improve accessibility for both domestic and international visitors.
Why this matters: The combination of rising visitor numbers and an airport prepared for international traffic could accelerate Jammu and Kashmir’s integration into global tourism markets. For travellers, this may mean more direct options to reach Srinagar, shorter journey times and simpler access to the Kashmir Valley. For the local industry, renewed international connectivity could boost hotel occupancy, create jobs and broaden the region’s tourism economy—provided airlines judge routes commercially viable and confidence in demand continues to grow.
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