Heavy Snowfall Paralyzes Air Travel in Jammu & Kashmir
Flight operations at Srinagar airport have been completely suspended due to heavy snowfall across the Kashmir valley, causing significant disruption to air travel. Authorities were forced to cancel all flights to and from Kashmir on Friday as adverse weather conditions made the runway unsafe for aircraft operations.
Weather Conditions Worsen Across the Region
Most parts of Kashmir received fresh snowfall overnight, marking the season's first snowfall in Srinagar. Many areas experienced both snowfall and rainfall, with Budgam district and south Kashmir's Pulwama and Shopian districts receiving particularly abundant snow in recent days. The meteorological department has forecast that these challenging weather conditions are likely to persist until Friday evening, potentially extending the travel disruptions.
Airlines Issue Multiple Travel Advisories
IndiGo was among the first airlines to respond to the situation, issuing an advisory early Friday morning announcing the temporary suspension of both take-offs and landings at Srinagar airport. The airline warned passengers about potential extended waiting times both onboard aircraft and on the ground.
Later in the day, IndiGo expanded its advisory on social media platform X, stating that "Bad weather over Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Dharamshala and Chandigarh have impacted flight schedules." The airline encouraged passengers to monitor flight status updates through official channels and assured them of full support from ground teams.
Air India also issued a comprehensive travel advisory, noting that heavy snowfall in Kashmir has significantly impacted flight operations to and from Srinagar on Friday, January 23rd. The airline acknowledged that these conditions have resulted in extended wait times for passengers and committed to closely monitoring the situation.
Air India emphasized that their ground teams would provide every possible assistance to affected passengers and urged travelers to check updated flight statuses on the airline's official website before proceeding to airports.
Police Issue Safety Warnings for Travelers
SSP Traffic, Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Pal Singh has strongly advised commuters and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in the region as heavy snowfall continues. Police authorities have urged all residents and visitors to strictly follow travel and safety advisories, warning that weather conditions could further disrupt movement across Jammu & Kashmir.
Officials have emphasized the importance of staying informed about changing conditions and heeding safety recommendations to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during this period of severe weather.
Passenger Guidance During Disruptions
Both airlines have provided clear guidance for affected passengers:
- Regularly check official airline websites and mobile applications for flight status updates
- Allow extra time for travel to and from airports
- Maintain patience as ground teams work to assist passengers
- Follow all safety advisories issued by authorities
The situation remains fluid as weather conditions continue to evolve, with airlines and authorities working to restore normal operations as soon as weather conditions permit safe flight operations.
