Srinagar, June 9 -- The sudden announcement of Srinagar Airport's phased closure has pressed a panic button that should never have been touched. What ought to have been a carefully managed exercise in runway repair has instead become a source of confusion and worry, both within the Valley and across the country. People are asking: why now, why in this manner, and why without a clear explanation? In Kashmir, every disruption carries weight, and the absence of transparent communication only magnifies apprehension. The ground reality is star; tourists are cancelling trips, operators are bracing for losses, and residents who depend on flights for urgent needs are left stranded.

The timing could not be more damaging. The closure coincides wit...