Flight Disruptions at Srinagar Airport Amid Heavy Fog and Snowfall
Srinagar International Airport witnessed a complete halt in flight operations on Sunday as dense fog and low visibility disrupted air traffic. This comes as the Kashmir Valley experienced a mix of snowfall in the mountains and rains in the plains, with weather conditions further deteriorating throughout the day.
Flight Cancellations Due to Low Visibility
Officials confirmed that all flights were canceled for the day, leaving thousands of travelers, both local and non-local, stranded. “The visibility was as low as 50 meters. For flights to operate, visibility needs to be around 1,000 to 1,100 meters,” said an airport official.
Flight disruptions due to fog have persisted since Friday, severely affecting passengers during what is typically a busy travel period.
Snowfall and Rains Turn Kashmir Into a Winter Wonderland
As the day progressed, snowfall blanketed the mountains, while plains, including Srinagar, were lashed with rains. By the evening, light snowfall resumed in Srinagar, creating picturesque winter scenes in the valley.
Popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Kupwara, and Sonamarg were transformed into winter wonderlands, drawing attention from both locals and tourists. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department shared stunning videos of the snowfall to promote the alpine slopes of Gulmarg, renowned for its skiing and picturesque huts.
Challenges and Preparations Amid Harsh Weather
The harsh winter weather has underscored the dual reality faced by the region. While snowfall is essential for water resources, agriculture, and power generation, it brings immediate challenges such as power outages, road closures, and disruption of daily life.
The district administration has been proactive in deploying snow-clearing machines in areas like Gulmarg and Kupwara to ensure accessibility. The J&K Traffic Department also issued advisories for travelers, especially on the 270-km Srinagar-Jammu Highway, which remained operational but under caution due to snowfall predictions.
Meanwhile, the J&K Police urged travelers heading to remote tourist spots like Doodhpathri and Yousmarg to exercise extreme caution. Only 4×4 vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains were allowed in these areas.
Weather Forecast and Precautions
The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy snowfall in higher reaches and moderate snowfall across most areas of J&K. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, predicted peak snowfall activity between January 4 and 5, with potential disruptions expected until the morning of January 6.
KCCI Criticizes Outdated Landing System at Srinagar Airport
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) expressed strong criticism of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for failing to install upgraded Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at Srinagar Airport.
“This situation was completely avoidable,” stated KCCI Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi. “Despite numerous assurances from the AAI, the airport still relies on outdated systems, leaving it prone to disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.”
The KCCI emphasized the substantial impact on the region’s business and tourism sectors. “The tourism industry, a vital pillar of Kashmir’s economy, has incurred significant losses during what should have been a peak travel season. Local businesses and international travelers have also faced setbacks due to delayed shipments and missed opportunities,” the statement added.
Looking Ahead
As Kashmir braces for more snowfall in the coming days, authorities continue to work on ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions. However, the ongoing challenges underline the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, including modern navigation systems, to ensure seamless connectivity in the future.
Despite the difficulties, the snow-covered landscapes of Kashmir serve as a reminder of the region’s beauty, drawing tourists even during challenging weather conditions.
