Another Rajasthan airport is going offline—and this time, it’s a full month.
Fresh off the Amritsar closure news, here comes another operational disruption that pilots and passengers need to know about. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a NOTAM shutting down Jodhpur Airport’s runway for nearly 30 days, starting March 29, 2026 .
Here’s what’s happening and how it affects you.
The Basics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport | Jodhpur Airport (JDH), Rajasthan |
| Closure Period | March 29 – April 27, 2026 |
| Daily Closure Hours | Full 24-hour closure for the entire period |
| Timing | 6:30 PM March 29 to 6:30 PM April 27 |
| Reason | Runway re-carpeting (first major overhaul in 7 years) |
| Flights Affected | ~14 daily flights (28 movements) to 7 cities |
Why the Runway Is Closing
Jodhpur Airport is a civil enclave—the runway is owned and operated by the IAF, while civilian flights operate from a separate terminal . This means the Air Force calls the shots on maintenance schedules.
The runway hasn’t been resurfaced in about seven years. Given Jodhpur’s strategic location near the Pakistan border, the IAF has prioritized this upgrade to ensure fighter jets and military aircraft have a runway that meets their stricter technical requirements .
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) actually suggested doing this work in June to minimize disruption to commercial flights. The IAF declined—citing operational and safety priorities .
The Three-Phase Construction Plan
The resurfacing isn’t a simple one-and-done job. It’s being executed in three phases, with the second phase causing the complete shutdown :
| Phase | Work Area | Impact on Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | One-third of runway closed | Small aircraft (A320) may operate; large aircraft (A321) cannot |
| Phase 2 | Central part of runway | Complete shutdown – no civil flights |
| Phase 3 | Remaining part of runway | Partial resumption possible |
The work is expected to be fully completed by May 2026 .
Which Cities Are Affected?
Currently, Jodhpur is connected to seven major cities with around 14 daily flights (28 movements) :
| Domestic Destinations |
|---|
| Delhi |
| Mumbai |
| Bengaluru |
| Pune |
| Hyderabad |
| Jaipur |
| Ahmedabad |
All flights to and from these cities will be suspended during the closure period.
Airlines Affected
Airlines operating at Jodhpur include:
IndiGo
Air India
Air India Express
All three have already stopped taking bookings for flights after March 28 .
Summer Schedule Impact
Here’s where it gets tricky for travelers.
Airlines typically roll out their summer schedules on March 31. But with Jodhpur Airport closed, the city’s summer schedule won’t start until April 28—and even then, it won’t be business as usual .
Expected post-closure impact:
Services to 2–3 destinations likely to be discontinued
Overall flight frequency expected to drop by nearly half
Reduced connectivity compared to pre-closure levels
More Closures Coming: 3 Other IAF Airports Affected
Jodhpur is just the first. Three other IAF-controlled civil airports will face disruptions in 2026 for similar runway maintenance :
| Airport | Timeline | Disruption |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | August – mid-October 2026 | Weekend closures (3 weeks total) |
| Pune | Dates TBD | Expected 8-day shutdown |
| Adampur (Punjab) | After November 2026 | Runway adjustments |
If you’re planning travel to these destinations later this year, keep an eye on NOTAMs.
What This Means for Pilots & Crew
1. Route adjustments. Airlines have already pulled Jodhpur from their networks for April. If you’re rostered on Jodhpur flights, expect to be reassigned or have reduced flying hours during this period.
2. Alternate airports. For operations that would normally route through Jodhpur, expect diversions to nearby airports like Jaipur (JAI) or Ahmedabad (AMD). Brief your alternates.
3. Pre-plan. This is a known closure with clear dates. Use it to plan leave, training, or sim sessions during the downtime.
What Passengers Need to Know
1. Check your booking. If you have a flight to/from Jodhpur between March 29 and April 27, it will not operate. Contact your airline immediately for:
Full refunds
Rescheduling to dates after April 28
Alternate routing via nearby airports
2. Consider alternatives. During the closure, consider:
Flying to Jaipur Airport (approx. 6 hours by road)
Flying to Ahmedabad Airport (approx. 7 hours by road)
Train options (Jodhpur is well-connected by rail)
3. Book post-closure with caution. Even after April 28, flight frequency will be reduced. Confirm schedules before booking.
The Aviators360 Take
Jodhpur’s month-long closure is a classic example of the challenge with civil-military airports in India. The IAF’s operational needs come first—and when they decide it’s time for maintenance, commercial flights take a back seat .
For pilots: Stay on top of NOTAMs. Jodhpur is just the start—Srinagar, Pune, and Adampur will follow later this year. Plan your rosters and training accordingly.
For passengers: If you’re traveling to Rajasthan in April, Jodhpur is effectively off the air map. Book into Jaipur and drive, or wait until May when operations stabilize.
For aspirants: This is a real-world look at how airline networks adapt to infrastructure constraints. Watch how carriers adjust—it’s operational planning in action.
The upside? When the runway reopens in May, Jodhpur will have a safer, more durable surface that can handle larger aircraft and higher traffic volumes. Short-term pain for long-term gain.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and always check NOTAMs.
— Ashutosh Bansal
Founder, Aviators360