Heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, has severely disrupted transportation in the region. Weather systems brought fresh snow to Srinagar and surrounding districts, leading to flight cancellations, road closures, and avalanche warnings.
As a result, around 50 flights — including 25 inbound and 25 outbound services — were cancelled at Srinagar International Airport, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded and forcing airlines and authorities to adjust plans rapidly.
Impact on Air Travel: 50 Flights Cancelled
Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and others serving Srinagar, cancelled most flights scheduled for Tuesday in response to deteriorating weather and low visibility conditions at the airport.
Airport officials stated that adverse weather and ongoing snowfall made it unsafe to operate flights, prompting cancellations for both arrivals and departures. Some flights that were scheduled to land later in the day are also unlikely to take off due to continuing bad weather.
What Happened
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50 flights cancelled at Srinagar International Airport (25 inbound, 25 outbound) on Tuesday.
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Further cancellations expected if snowfall persists.
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Tourists and travellers planning return journeys after the weekend and Republic Day holiday are among those affected.
Road & Weather Disruptions Across Jammu & Kashmir
The heavy snowfall affected more than air travel:
1. Highway Closure
The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) has been closed due to snow accumulation near key tunnel stretches, blocking traffic between Srinagar and Jammu.
2. Avalanche Alerts
Authorities issued avalanche warnings for 10 districts in J&K, including Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Doda, Kulgam, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, and Kishtwar, advising residents and travellers to avoid high-risk mountain areas until conditions improve.
3. Road & Train Disruptions
Snow affected not only highways but also other major roads and certain rail services through the valley, resulting in logistical challenges for travellers.
Weather Forecast & Safety Advisory
According to the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rain or snow is expected in most parts of the union territory, with moderate to heavy snowfall and gusty winds possible in some areas. Authorities also warned of isolated thunderstorms and strong winds later in the evening.
Travel advisories urge:
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Travellers to confirm flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.
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People to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone and high elevation areas.
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Motorists to stay off major highways until clearance operations are complete.
Passenger Guidance: What Travellers Should Do
If your flight to or from Srinagar was cancelled:
✔ Monitor Flight Status
Check online or contact your airline for live updates, rescheduling options, or refunds.
✔ Contact Your Airline
Airlines typically provide:
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Rebooking on next available flight
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Refund options
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Alternate routing (if available)
✔ Prepare for Delays
Stranded passengers should prepare for:
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Possible hotel stays
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Extended waiting times
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Weather-related service changes
✔ Stay Safe in Snow
Follow local advisories on road and weather safety if you are already in the Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why were flights to/from Srinagar cancelled?
Heavy snowfall and poor visibility made it unsafe for aircraft operations at Srinagar International Airport.
2. How many flights were cancelled?
Approximately 50 flights — including 25 inbound and 25 outbound services — have been cancelled.
3. Are roads also affected by the snowfall?
Yes. The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway and other key routes have been closed due to snow accumulation.
4. What should passengers do now?
Travellers should stay updated with their airline, check flight status frequently, and be prepared to change plans or stay overnight if needed.
5. Is the snowfall part of normal winter weather in Kashmir?
Yes. Kashmir typically receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, and this recent snowfall is part of the ongoing winter weather pattern.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Which flights were cancelled at Srinagar Airport due to snowfall?
Around 50 flights — split between 25 arrivals and 25 departures — were cancelled due to adverse weather.
Will these flights operate later in the week?
Flight operations depend on weather and runway conditions. Airlines and airport authorities will assess daily and update based on safety.
Is travel advisory in place for Jammu & Kashmir?
Yes — avalanche and weather advisories are in place for affected districts due to heavy snow.
Are tourists stranded in Kashmir?
Yes — the cancellations have left many tourists, especially those returning after the Republic Day holiday, stranded without flights.
Conclusion
Heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley has severely disrupted both air travel and road transport, leading to the cancellation of around 50 flights at Srinagar International Airport and closures of major highways. While the snowy landscape may thrill winter tourists, it has also created significant challenges for travellers and local authorities.
If you’re planning to travel to or from Srinagar in the coming days, make it a priority to check weather conditions, flight schedules, and alternative travel options, and follow all safety advisories issued by local authorities.
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