SRINAGAR, JAN 23 : Heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley on Friday severely disrupted air and road connectivity, leading to widespread travel chaos.
Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were hit as multiple arrivals and departures were cancelled or suspended due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
An airport official told News Agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), several flights have been affected. Snow clearance work on the runway is ongoing to restore normal operations, advising passengers to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
Major airlines issued travel advisories in view of the situation. IndiGo announced the temporary suspension of all take-offs and landings at Srinagar, warning passengers of possible delays and extended waiting periods at the terminal or on aircraft.
“We are closely monitoring the weather. To expedite departure once clearance is received, pre-boarding formalities may be completed in advance,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.
Similarly, SpiceJet alerted passengers that all flights to and from Srinagar, including connecting services, could face disruptions, urging them to track their flight status regularly.
On the ground, key surface links were also blocked. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed near the Navyug Tunnel, while the Mughal Road and Sinthan Pass were shut at multiple points due to heavy snow accumulation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread light to moderate rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy falls at isolated places. The weather activity is expected to peak today, with another western disturbance likely around January 26.
The snowfall follows Thursday’s spell of rain and strong winds in parts of the Valley, including Srinagar, which uprooted trees and led to precautionary power cuts in several areas. (KNS)
