Flights Resume After Two Days of Snow-Induced Disruption
By: Javid Amin | 28 January 2026
Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport resumed on Wednesday morning after remaining suspended for two consecutive days due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility across the Kashmir Valley.
Airport authorities confirmed that snow clearance operations were completed and visibility conditions improved sufficiently to allow aircraft movement, enabling the resumption of arrivals and departures.
Normal Operations Expected, Weather Permitting
Officials said that normal flight operations are expected to continue throughout the day, provided weather conditions remain favourable.
However, authorities cautioned that winter weather remains unpredictable, and any fresh snowfall or sudden drop in visibility could still affect schedules.
Passengers have been advised to:
-
Check flight status directly with airlines
-
Remain alert for last-minute changes
-
Allow extra time for airport procedures due to backlog
58 Flights Cancelled During Peak Disruption
On Tuesday, flight operations were completely suspended after all 58 scheduled flights — both arrivals and departures — were cancelled due to:
-
Heavy snow accumulation on the runway
-
Low visibility conditions
-
Safety concerns related to aircraft movement
The cancellations left hundreds of passengers stranded in Srinagar and Jammu, including tourists, students, and business travellers.
Relief for Stranded Passengers
The resumption of flights has brought significant relief to passengers who had been stuck for days amid widespread travel disruptions.
Many travellers had been unable to leave the Valley due to:
-
Continuous snowfall
-
Closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44)
-
Suspension of rail services on the Banihal–Baramulla section
Air connectivity remains the most viable travel option while road and rail links continue to face weather-related challenges.
Weather Context: Valley Remains Under Active Winter Conditions
The Kashmir Valley has been witnessing intense winter weather, including:
-
Heavy snowfall in Srinagar and surrounding districts
-
Avalanches reported in areas such as Sonamarg
-
Power outages and road blockages across multiple regions
Meteorological authorities have cautioned that further weather activity cannot be ruled out, urging travellers to remain cautious.
Travel Advisory
Passengers planning to fly to or from Srinagar are advised to:
-
Reconfirm bookings before heading to the airport
-
Arrive early due to congestion and rescheduling
-
Monitor updates from airlines and the Meteorological Department
Key Takeaway
While the resumption of flights marks a temporary return to normalcy, winter conditions in Kashmir remain volatile. Authorities stress that flight operations will continue to depend heavily on weather stability, and passengers should plan travel with flexibility.
