Heavy snow hits Kashmir, Srinagar airport cancels all flights for the day
Ihe Srinagar Airport confirmed that all flights to and from the city were cancelled on Friday in the wake of the heavy snowfall. Snowfall clearance is currently underway.
Heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley on Friday led to the cancellation of all flights at Srinagar airport. Icy conditions, particularly in the higher reaches, also forced the closure of several key highways and roads.
In an updated statement, authorities at the Srinagar Airport said that there were additional flight cancellations due to ongoing snowfall in the city. Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
Authorities added that snow clearance activities were currently underway on the runways.
In its advisory, IndiGo said both take-offs and landings in Srinagar had been temporarily put on hold due to snowfall, warning that passengers may face longer waits onboard and on the ground.
"To ensure we are ready for departure as soon as we receive clearance, our team may complete boarding formalities in advance," the airline said, adding that it was closely monitoring the weather conditions.
SpiceJet also warned that all departures and arrivals at Srinagar, along with consequential flights, could be affected and advised passengers to regularly check their flight status.
Air India has also issued an advisory, saying that the snowfall in Kashmir has affected its flight operations to and from Srinagar on Friday morning, resulting in extended wait times for passengers.
The airline said its ground teams are providing assistance and closely monitoring the situation, with flights expected to operate once weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, key highways and mountain roads across the Kashmir Valley were shut due to the accumulation of heavy snow, leading to traffic congestion.
ROADS, HIGHWAYS CLOSED
While the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was shut near the Navyug Tunnel, the Mughal and Sinthan roads were blocked at several locations.
“Due to ongoing rains and snow accumulation up to Ramsoo, we have stopped all traffic at safer locations on NH44 for now as a precaution against slippery road conditions,” the J&K Traffic Police said.
Following the directions of the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, all schools in the district will remain closed on January 23, 2026, due to inclement weather, the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri said.
Authorities in Poonch have set up 24/7 helpline numbers to assist residents with emergencies, road blockages, or weather-related incidents. Citizens are urged to use the helpline and follow safety precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel, staying updated on forecasts, keeping in touch with family, and cooperating with authorities.
Authorities at the Vaishno Devi temple also posted photos, offering devotees a breathtaking sight as fresh snow blanketed the shrine.
The India Meteorological Department on Thursday said widespread light to moderate snow and rain is likely across Jammu and Kashmir, including the Valley plains, with heavy precipitation likely at isolated places.
The weather activity is expected to peak today, followed by another western disturbance on January 26.
The ski resort of Gulmarg and several other areas, particularly the higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian, received fresh snowfall, officials said.
On Thursday, many parts of the Kashmir Valley plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain and high-speed winds, uprooting trees at multiple locations and prompting precautionary power shutdowns.
Heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley on Friday led to the cancellation of all flights at Srinagar airport. Icy conditions, particularly in the higher reaches, also forced the closure of several key highways and roads.
In an updated statement, authorities at the Srinagar Airport said that there were additional flight cancellations due to ongoing snowfall in the city. Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
Authorities added that snow clearance activities were currently underway on the runways.
In its advisory, IndiGo said both take-offs and landings in Srinagar had been temporarily put on hold due to snowfall, warning that passengers may face longer waits onboard and on the ground.
"To ensure we are ready for departure as soon as we receive clearance, our team may complete boarding formalities in advance," the airline said, adding that it was closely monitoring the weather conditions.
SpiceJet also warned that all departures and arrivals at Srinagar, along with consequential flights, could be affected and advised passengers to regularly check their flight status.
Air India has also issued an advisory, saying that the snowfall in Kashmir has affected its flight operations to and from Srinagar on Friday morning, resulting in extended wait times for passengers.
The airline said its ground teams are providing assistance and closely monitoring the situation, with flights expected to operate once weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, key highways and mountain roads across the Kashmir Valley were shut due to the accumulation of heavy snow, leading to traffic congestion.
ROADS, HIGHWAYS CLOSED
While the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was shut near the Navyug Tunnel, the Mughal and Sinthan roads were blocked at several locations.
“Due to ongoing rains and snow accumulation up to Ramsoo, we have stopped all traffic at safer locations on NH44 for now as a precaution against slippery road conditions,” the J&K Traffic Police said.
Following the directions of the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, all schools in the district will remain closed on January 23, 2026, due to inclement weather, the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri said.
Authorities in Poonch have set up 24/7 helpline numbers to assist residents with emergencies, road blockages, or weather-related incidents. Citizens are urged to use the helpline and follow safety precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel, staying updated on forecasts, keeping in touch with family, and cooperating with authorities.
Authorities at the Vaishno Devi temple also posted photos, offering devotees a breathtaking sight as fresh snow blanketed the shrine.
The India Meteorological Department on Thursday said widespread light to moderate snow and rain is likely across Jammu and Kashmir, including the Valley plains, with heavy precipitation likely at isolated places.
The weather activity is expected to peak today, followed by another western disturbance on January 26.
The ski resort of Gulmarg and several other areas, particularly the higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian, received fresh snowfall, officials said.
On Thursday, many parts of the Kashmir Valley plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain and high-speed winds, uprooting trees at multiple locations and prompting precautionary power shutdowns.