Heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley on Friday disrupted air travel, leading to the cancellation and suspension of several flights at Srinagar airport and prompting airlines to issue travel advisories
for passengers. Confirming the weather-related impact, airport authorities said flight operations to and from Srinagar were affected due to adverse conditions, resulting in multiple cancellations.Traffic movement has been stopped in both directions, from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa, on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to fresh snowfall in and around the Navyug Tunnel. In addition, the Mughal Road, SSG Road, and Sinthan Road have also been closed due to fresh snow accumulation.
Kashmir Snowfall
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Airlines Issue Advisory
Passengers have been advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. Airport authorities said snow-clearance operations were underway on the runway to restore normal flight operations.In an advisory, IndiGo stated that take-offs and landings at Srinagar had been temporarily suspended due to snowfall, warning passengers of possible delays and extended waiting times both onboard aircraft and at the terminal.
Snowfall in Kashmir at night
“To ensure we are ready for departure as soon as we receive clearance, our team may complete boarding formalities in advance," the airline said. SpiceJet also issued an alert, cautioning that all arrivals and departures at Srinagar, along with connected services, could be affected. Passengers were advised to regularly check their flight status for updates.The heavy snowfall additionally forced the closure of several key highways and mountain routes across the Valley, leading to widespread traffic disruptions.The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was closed near the Navyug Tunnel, while the Mughal Road and Sinthan Pass were blocked at several points due to heavy snow accumulation.The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police said vehicular movement on NH-44 was suspended as a precautionary measure after snow and rain made road conditions slippery, especially along the Ramsoo stretch.
IMD Forecasts Snow
The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir, including the Valley plains, with heavy precipitation expected at isolated places.Weather activity is expected to peak on Friday, with another western disturbance likely around January 26.Tourist hotspot Gulmarg and the higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Shopian received fresh snowfall, officials said.A day earlier, parts of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, experienced rain accompanied by strong winds, uprooting trees in several areas and prompting precautionary power cuts.