LIVE UPDATES: Srinagar Weather & Traffic (Jan 27)
- 02:00 PM: URGENT: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been officially CLOSED for all vehicular movement due to heavy snow accumulation at the Navyug Tunnel and slippery road conditions in Banihal.
- 01:30 PM: Flight operations remain suspended. Visibility is currently hovering below 500 meters. No flights are expected to land today.
- 12:00 PM: IndiGo and SpiceJet have initiated “Plan B” (refund/rescheduling) protocols for all passengers affected by today’s cancellations.
Srinagar: The idyllic snowfall that tourists flocked to see has turned into a logistical nightmare. On Tuesday, January 27, air connectivity to the Kashmir Valley was completely snapped as heavy snowfall and poor visibility forced officials to cancel over 50 scheduled flights at the Srinagar International Airport.
Visibility & Runway Friction: The Double Blow
Airport Director Javed Anjum confirmed that operations were paralyzed from the early morning hours due to a combination of low visibility and dangerous runway conditions.
- The Rule: While Srinagar’s upgraded instrumentation allows landings in lower visibility, safe operations also require a snow-free runway for braking.
- The Reality: Continuous heavy snow since early morning dropped visibility to 400-500 meters and led to rapid snow accumulation on the tarmac, making it impossible for aircraft to land or brake safely.
- Impact: Approximately 58 flights (comprising arrivals and departures) operated by major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara were cancelled for the day.
Holiday Rush Turns to “Stranded” Rush
The timing of the weather system has hit hard.
- Long Weekend Exit: Thousands of tourists had booked their return tickets for Tuesday after spending the extended Republic Day long weekend (Jan 24-26) in Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
- No Way Out: With the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) now officially closed, travelers are currently left with no viable exit route from the Valley.
Airline Advisory & Rescheduling
Airlines have issued travel advisories urging passengers not to come to the airport to avoid overcrowding.
- Refunds/Rescheduling: Most airlines are offering full refunds or free rescheduling for the affected flights. Passengers are advised to check their flight status online before heading out.
- Tomorrow’s Outlook: Operations for Wednesday (Jan 28) will depend entirely on the weather clearing up tonight.
Key Highlights: The “Snow Blockade”
- Runway Clearance: Snow clearing machines (Beacon and Airport Authority) are on standby, but continuous precipitation is hampering efforts to keep the braking surface safe.
- Traffic Jam: The cancellation has led to a rush of tourists extending their hotel stays, causing a sudden spike in occupancy in Srinagar city.
FAQ Section
A: There is a strong possibility. The Western Disturbance is expected to weaken by late tonight. If visibility improves and the runway can be cleared of ice by Wednesday morning, operations may resume.
A: The road to the airport from Srinagar city is open but slippery—drive with caution. However, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) connecting the Valley to the rest of India is CLOSED due to heavy snow. Do not attempt to travel out of the Valley by road until the Traffic Police issues a green signal.
