Heavy rainfall and poor visibility conditions severely disrupted air travel in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of multiple flights. The inclement weather primarily impacted operations at Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, a key gateway to the region.
Multiple Airlines Ground Flights
A total of 11 flights were cancelled due to the adverse weather, according to airport authorities. The cancellations affected schedules across several major airlines operating at the airport. The decision was taken as a safety precaution, with low visibility making it unsafe for aircraft to take off or land.
Officials confirmed that the cancellations were a direct result of the bad weather conditions that enveloped the Kashmir Valley. The region experienced consistent rainfall throughout the day, which significantly reduced visibility for pilots. This is a common seasonal challenge for aviation in the area, particularly during periods of intense precipitation or fog.
Passengers Face Travel Disruptions
The sudden cancellations left numerous passengers stranded at the airport or forced to alter their travel plans. Many travelers, including tourists and residents, were seen inquiring about alternative arrangements at airline counters. The airport staff and airline representatives were engaged in assisting affected passengers, guiding them on rescheduling or refund processes.
Authorities have advised all passengers scheduled to fly to or from Srinagar to stay in close contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight status. They emphasized checking flight information before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience. The situation remains fluid and is entirely dependent on improvements in the weather.
Weather Dependency and Regional Impact
Flight operations in Srinagar are highly susceptible to weather changes, especially during the winter and monsoon-influenced periods. The airport's location and the valley's topography can lead to rapid changes in visibility, necessitating quick operational decisions for safety. Saturday's disruptions highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining consistent air connectivity in the region during harsh weather.
While the primary impact was on departures and arrivals at Srinagar, the ripple effect of these cancellations likely caused schedule adjustments for connecting flights in other parts of the country as well. The airport handles a significant volume of traffic, and such large-scale cancellations have a notable impact on regional mobility.
As of now, airport officials are monitoring the meteorological situation closely. Flight operations are expected to resume normally once the weather clears and visibility returns to safe operational limits. Passengers are once again urged to verify their flight timing directly with their airlines until stable conditions return.
