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All flights to and from Srinagar cancelled amid heavy snowfall, bad weather
Kashmir received fresh snowfall, which led to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and disrupted flight operations
All flights to and from Srinagar Airport have been cancelled due to bad weather and continuous snowfall in the region, airport officials said on Tuesday. Kashmir received fresh snowfall, which led to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and disrupted flight operations.
Most parts of Kashmir received fresh overnight snowfall as a western disturbance affected the region. The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, recorded light to moderate snow, while the higher reaches received moderate to heavy snowfall.
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Kashmir Valley receives heavy snowfall
Kashmir was covered in fresh snow on Tuesday as a western disturbance swept across the region. The snowfall turned popular tourist destinations such as Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam into winter wonderlands, officials said.
Most districts in central, north, and south Kashmir recorded snow, with plains including Srinagar seeing light to moderate falls, while higher altitudes experienced moderate to heavy snowfall, news agency PTI reported.
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The accumulation of snow disrupted transportation across the valley. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed between Qazigund and Banihal, as no traffic was allowed while snow clearance operations continued. Rail services were also affected, with several trains between Banihal and Budgam cancelled due to snow along the tracks.
Air traffic faced severe disruptions as Srinagar Airport was unable to operate flights. Airport officials confirmed that 50 flights, including 25 inbound and 25 outbound, have been cancelled so far. They advised passengers, saying, “Due to adverse weather and prevailing conditions at Srinagar Airport, all IndiGo and Air India flights to/from Srinagar have been cancelled for today. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate arrangements.”
The disruption has left many travellers and tourists stranded. Police and district administrations have set up control rooms and helplines to assist the public amid the inclement weather.
Weather advisory and Avalanche alert
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or snow at most places, with moderate to heavy snow and gusty winds expected in some areas until Tuesday evening. Light rain or snow may continue at isolated locations on Wednesday.
The JKUTDMA had said avalanche with high danger is likely to occur above 2,000 metres over Ganderbal district, while avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2,000 metres over the districts of Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramula, Kulgam, and Kupwara in Kashmir, and Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, and Ramban in Jammu.
(With agency PTI)
