Srinagar Airport Operations Halted by Heavy Snowfall
Fresh snowfall in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday severely disrupted air travel, leading to the cancellation of multiple flights at Srinagar International Airport. The adverse weather conditions, characterized by reduced visibility and challenging runway situations, forced airlines to halt operations, leaving hundreds of passengers and tourists stranded in the region.
Flight Cancellations and Passenger Stranding
According to an official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), a total of 16 flights were cancelled due to the ongoing snowfall. This included eight arrivals and eight departures, significantly impacting travel plans. "In view of continuing snowfall, airlines have cancelled certain flights for today," the official stated, emphasizing the need for passengers to maintain contact with their respective airlines for updates and alternative arrangements.
The cancellations have particularly affected tourists returning after the weekend and Republic Day holiday, with many finding themselves unexpectedly stuck in the Valley. Airlines are actively working on rescheduling flights and providing accommodation solutions to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the weather-induced disruptions.
Weather Patterns and IMD Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the snowfall in Kashmir to a Western Disturbance affecting large parts of North India. This weather system has not only impacted the hills but also brought concerns to the plains.
In Delhi-NCR, the IMD has placed most districts under a 'watch' status, forecasting light rain and shallow to moderate fog, especially during the early morning hours. Neighbouring areas such as Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar are also under watch, while Gurugram and Faridabad currently remain under 'no warning' according to the IMD's alert map.
Potential Impact on Transportation
Meteorologists have warned that the fog and cloud cover in the National Capital Region could lead to reduced visibility, potentially affecting road, rail, and air traffic during morning hours. This adds to the travel woes already experienced in northern India due to the weather conditions.
Looking ahead, the IMD has indicated that another Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India later this week. This could result in:
- Fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- Intermittent rain over parts of north-western plains
- Continued disruptions to travel and daily activities
Advisory for Travellers
Authorities have strongly advised travellers, particularly those planning to fly to or from hill destinations, to check weather advisories and flight status before embarking on their journeys. With the possibility of further weather deterioration, staying informed and prepared is crucial to avoid unexpected delays and inconveniences.
The situation underscores the importance of monitoring weather updates during winter months in northern India, where Western Disturbances often bring significant changes to atmospheric conditions affecting both mountainous and plain regions.
