Heavy Snowfall Forces Multiple Flight Cancellations at Srinagar Airport

Heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley forced airlines to cancel a significant number of flights to and from Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and highlighting weather‑related operational risks in high‑altitude regions of India.

Adverse weather conditions and continuing snowfall across the valley led airlines to cancel around 50 flights — including inbound and outbound services — as runway conditions deteriorated and visibility dropped below safe thresholds. The cancellations occurred amid ongoing winter weather, with snow accumulation making take‑offs and landings unsafe.

Airport Authority of India officials underscored safety as the primary driver of the cancellations, noting that adverse weather and poor visibility necessitated grounding flights rather than risking operations under compromised conditions. Airlines advised affected passengers to stay in contact with their carriers for the latest schedule updates and alternative travel arrangements.

The flight disruptions have compounded travel uncertainty in the region, as Srinagar — one of northern India’s key hubs for both tourism and business travel — typically sees increased movement during the winter holiday period and around national holidays. The heavy snowfall follows meteorological warnings, and runway clearance efforts were continuing as conditions persisted.

Multiple domestic carriers, including major operators serving the Srinagar sector, were affected by the cancellations. With routes connecting the Kashmir Valley to major Indian cities, the weather‑induced grounding has created logistical challenges for airlines and passengers alike, prompting rebooking efforts and schedule adjustments.

While snowfall‑induced flight cancellations are not uncommon in Himalayan and sub‑Himalayan airports, the scale of the disruption this week underscores the operational vulnerabilities during peak winter conditions. Snow clearance operations and runway treatment protocols are being deployed to restore conditions that meet safety criteria for flight operations.

Travel advisories issued by airlines emphasise the importance of real‑time status checks for passengers, with many opting to delay or adjust travel plans until weather conditions improve. Local authorities and airport teams are coordinating closely to assess runway conditions and facilitate the safe resumption of flights as soon as practicable.

The broader implications of weather‑related flight disruptions at Srinagar Airport extend to both tourism and regional connectivity. Extended cancellations can affect inbound travel demand, hotel occupancy and local economies that depend on reliable flight services for visitor inflows. Local businesses in the Kashmir Valley, which see a seasonal uptick in guests during winter and holiday periods, are likely monitoring the situation for potential impacts.

As snowfall continues across the region, airlines and airport operators will need to balance operational pressures with aviation safety requirements, particularly in airports where geography and weather amplify the challenges of maintaining scheduled services.