The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intimated to the airport authorities about a total closure of passenger flight operations from the airport between April 26 and May 9 to facilitate the ongoing runway recarpeting works.

The airport is part of the IAF’s air base at Lohegaon. The air force controls the 2,530m runway and air traffic control (ATC).

“We have received the closure intimation from the IAF,” said city airport director Kuldeep Singh.

As of now, passenger flights are operating for only 12 hours, from 8am to 8pm, ever since the runway recarpeting work commenced at the airport from October 26 last year.

The complete closure will affect airlines and flyers, especially those who have already booked their tickets for travel between April 26 and May 9.

Airport officials said the information of total closure has been passed on the airport’s social media handle without delay. “We are informing passengers well in advance considering that February has only started. Coordination is on with the airlines to inform their passengers set to book tickets. Most of the current scheduled flights are expected to remain cancelled for the 14 days. More information can be provided only by the airlines,” said a senior airport official.