Heavy winter snowfall in Srinagar brought flight operations to a halt at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, forcing officials to cancel 58 flights and leaving scores of tourists stranded after the long holiday weekend and Republic Day break. Continuous snowfall overnight and throughout the morning made the runway unsafe for aircraft landings and take-offs, prompting airport authorities to suspend all flight movements in the interest of passenger safety.
The cancellations affected both arrivals and departures, disrupting travel plans for travelers who were returning home after visiting Kashmir’s popular tourist attractions. Airport officials have said they are closely monitoring the weather, with hopes of resuming operations once conditions improve and the runway is cleared of snow.
Major Developments at Srinagar Airport
- All flight operations suspended due to snowfall and unsafe runway conditions.
- 58 flights cancelled including 29 arrivals and 29 departures.
- Thousands of tourists stranded after the holiday period.
- Airport and airline authorities are advising passengers to contact carriers for updates.
- Runway conditions are being reviewed operations to resume once weather permits.
Weather Chaos in Kashmir Valley
The snowfall is part of a broader winter weather spell affecting the Kashmir Valley, including continued snow in higher elevations and road closures on major routes such as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to heavy snow accumulation.
With visibility reduced and snow covering critical transport infrastructure, authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay updated on weather forecasts and travel advisories, as similar conditions may persist before the winter system weakens.
Impact on Tourism and Travel
The heavy snowfall struck just as many tourists were concluding their visits after the extended Republic Day weekend. Popular winter destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg typically draw significant crowds during this period for snow activities and scenic views.
However, the abrupt weather disruption has complicated travel plans, leading to hotel extensions, added accommodation stress, and logistical challenges for both domestic and international visitors. Airlines have started offering refunds or free rebooking options to affected passengers.
Outlook and Preparations
Meteorological departments have forecast continued cold conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of further snowfall over the coming days. Authorities are deploying snow-clearing equipment at the airport and on key highways to restore mobility as soon as conditions allow.
Travelers are advised to check flight statuses before heading to the airport and to remain flexible with travel plans given ongoing weather uncertainties.
