Srinagar Airport Suspends Flight Operations 2026 | Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Air Travel
By: Javid Amin | 22 January 2026
Flight operations at Srinagar Airport were temporarily suspended on January 23, 2026, as heavy snowfall and poor visibility conditions across the Kashmir Valley forced authorities to halt both arrivals and departures. The disruption has affected air travellers en route to and from the region, left several flights cancelled, and prompted airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and others to issue urgent travel advisories for passengers.
This comprehensive feature explores the overarching circumstances of the suspension, the immediate impact on passengers and tourism, airline responses, and essential travel advice for those navigating disruptions amid harsh winter weather in the region.
What Happened: Flight Suspension at Srinagar Airport
Snowfall Forces Temporary Halt in Operations
In the early hours of Friday, snowfall intensified over the Kashmir Valley, covering the airport’s runways with snow and reducing visibility to unsafe levels. As a result, Srinagar Airport authorities temporarily suspended flight operations, affecting take-offs and landings until conditions improve.
Airport officials confirmed that snow clearance efforts were underway but stressed that visibility remained a critical factor in determining when flights could safely resume. The suspension applied across both domestic arrivals and departures, disrupting schedules for passengers travelling to and from the valley.
Significant Flight Cancellations Reported
Multiple news reports indicate that at least 26 flights were cancelled due to the weather disruption on the day of the suspension. These cancellations spanned major carriers and domestic routes connected to the Srinagar hub.
The cancellations reflect the severe impact heavy snowfall can have on aviation operations in mountainous regions. Runway safety, aircraft ground movements, and pilot visibility requirements all factor into decisions to hold or cancel flights under adverse weather.
Airline Advisory: IndiGo and Others Respond
IndiGo Issues Urgent Passenger Notices
IndiGo, one of India’s largest domestic carriers, promptly issued an advisory informing travellers that flight operations were temporarily put on hold due to snowfall in Srinagar. The airline cautioned that delays could occur both in the air and at the airport and urged passengers to check their latest flight status before travelling to the airport.
In its advisory, IndiGo highlighted that:
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Boarding procedures might be completed in advance so aircraft can depart promptly once weather clearance is granted.
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Passengers whose flights were impacted could use online options to rebook flights or request refunds through official airline channels.
Other Airlines Alert Passengers
Other carriers operating into Srinagar, such as Air India, Vistara, and Go First, also reported operational disruptions. These airlines advised affected passengers to monitor flight status updates and provided options for schedule changes as per their policies.
Airlines stressed that passenger safety remains paramount, and all decisions to delay or cancel flights were driven by weather conditions and aviation safety protocols.
Real-Time Passenger Impact: Stranded and Waiting
Terminals Overflow with Delayed Travellers
The suspension of flight operations has left many passengers stranded at Srinagar Airport terminals. Travellers have reported extended wait times and uncertainty over revised schedules. With heavy snow continuing, some passengers have taken shelter within the terminal, while others await updates on rebooked flights or refunds.
Airport authorities and airline ground staff have been working to manage passenger queries and provide real-time information, though crowding and limited announcements have tested patience.
Limited Airport Facilities Under Strain
With a sudden influx of stranded passengers, airport facilities such as waiting lounges, food outlets, charging stations and seating areas have been under pressure. Travellers are advised to carry essentials, including warm clothing, medicine and personal provisions, as wait times could extend into multiple hours or even overnight stays if weather conditions persist.
Broader Impact: Tourism, Logistics and Regional Connectivity
Tourism Disruption in Peak Winter Season
The Kashmir region, known for its scenic snowfall and winter tourism attractions like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, is in its peak travel period. Flight disruptions not only impact individual travel plans but also have broader consequences for the local tourism economy—where reliable connectivity is essential for hotel bookings, guided tours and seasonal businesses.
While the heavy snow enhances the valley’s winter charm, the inability to access the region by air affects both inbound tourist confidence and revenue for local service providers.
Cargo and Supply Chain Delays
Cargo operations at Srinagar Airport have also been affected by the suspension, delaying the movement of goods, medical supplies, and time-sensitive cargo. The halt in air logistics adds pressure on alternative surface transport routes, which themselves may be blocked or slowed by snow accumulation on major highways.
Safety Risks and Extended Suspension Possibilities
Persistent Snow Could Delay Resumption
If snowfall continues at current intensity, officials caution that flight operations might remain suspended for an extended period. Runway clearance and visibility improvements are heavily dependent on both weather trends and ground crew capacity to manage heavy accumulation.
Pilots must meet strict visibility and runway condition criteria before any resumption of services, meaning even cleared runways must be assessed continuously as snowfall persists.
Passenger Discomfort and Airport Conditions
Passengers enduring long delays face discomfort from cold weather, limited seating and potential shortages of waiting area resources. Travellers are advised to stay close to official information sources, avoid unnecessary trips to the airport unless flights are confirmed, and prepare contingency plans for extended stays.
Advisory for Travellers: What You Need to Know
If you are planning travel to or from Srinagar in the near term, keep the following guidance in mind:
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Check Flight Status Frequently: Use airline apps, websites and airport social media updates for the latest information before departing for the airport.
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Use Refund and Rebooking Options: Most carriers are offering refunds or flight rebooking options without penalty due to weather disruptions.
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Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Unless your flight is confirmed with a clear departure time, avoid travelling to the airport to reduce congestion and personal inconvenience.
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Carry Essentials: Have adequate warm clothing, medicines and food supplies if you anticipate being stranded due to weather-related closures.
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Stay Updated on Road Conditions: Heavy snowfall can also affect major highways, particularly the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, and local traffic may face closures or delays.
Conclusion: Weather, Safety and the Road Ahead
The temporary suspension of flight operations at Srinagar Airport amid heavy snowfall underscores the vulnerability of aviation to severe winter weather in high-altitude regions. While snowfall adds spectacular beauty to the Kashmir Valley, it also presents significant challenges for transportation infrastructure and passengers alike.
Airlines and authorities have taken necessary safety steps, issuing advisories, offering refunds and managing operations in real time. For travellers, staying informed and flexible in planning is essential while weather conditions remain volatile.
As snow clearance progresses and visibility conditions improve, flights are expected to resume in a phased manner. Until then, passengers are advised to closely monitor official channels for updates and follow all safety guidance issued by airport and airline authorities.
