Snowfall disrupts flight operation at Srinagar International Airport

Srinagar, Dec 27: The season's first major snowfall in Srinagar on Friday led to significant disruptions at the Srinagar International airport, causing cancellation of all flights.

The Director of Srinagar Airport informed news gethering agency KINS that while operations had been running smoothly earlier, snow accumulation disrupted evening flights. "So far, five flights have been cancelled. I urge passengers to check the status, as the ongoing snowfall is affecting operations," he said.

The heavy snowfall and reduced visibility have impacted both incoming and outgoing flights, leaving many passengers stranded.

Airport officials stated that snow buildup on the runway, along with dense cloud cover, has made it unsafe for aircraft operations. “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions,” an airport spokesperson told KINS.

Passengers at the airport shared a range of reactions to the delays. “I was looking forward to spending the New Year with my family in Delhi, but now I’m unsure when my flight will depart. Still, it's hard to stay upset with the Valley looking so beautiful in the snow,” said Meenakshi Sharma, a stranded traveler.

For tourists, the snowfall has been both a blessing and a challenge. Many expressed excitement at experiencing Kashmir's winter beauty, although they acknowledged the inconvenience caused by delayed travel plans. “We came hoping for snowfall, and we got it. The only downside is that our return flight is now uncertain,” said Arjun Singh, a tourist from Mumbai.

The snowfall has also caused disruptions on key roads and highways. Authorities have advised travelers to stay updated on weather and traffic conditions before planning any travel.

KINS further reported that the Meteorological Department has forecast additional snowfall in the next 24 hours, particularly in higher areas, which may lead to further delays in flight schedules. Travelers are encouraged to stay in touch with airlines for real-time updates and make alternate arrangements if necessary.

Despite the disruptions, the snowfall has brought joy to many in the Valley, with locals seeing it as a blessing. “Snowfall is part of life in Kashmir. While it may cause delays, it’s also a time to celebrate the beauty of our region,” Farooq Ahmad, a Srinagar resident told KINS.

As airport staff work to resume normal operations, both passengers and officials remain hopeful for a break in the weather to restore normalcy.