Snowfall disrupts flights and transport in Kashmir as tourists left stranded

Heavy snowfall across Kashmir led to the cancellation of several flights at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, stranding hundreds of tourists who had planned to leave the Valley after the weekend and Republic Day holiday.

Airport officials said adverse weather conditions forced airlines to cancel at least 16 flights, eight arrivals and eight departures, during the day. Passengers were advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for updates and alternative arrangements.

The disruptions came as fresh snowfall affected large parts of the Valley, including Srinagar, and hampered air and road connectivity. The Jammu–Srinagar national highway, a vital link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, was partially restored after remaining closed for more than two days due to heavy snow, though clearance operations continued and hundreds of vehicles remained stranded.

Despite the immediate inconvenience, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the snowfall as beneficial for the region. Speaking at Gulmarg, the north Kashmir ski resort, he said timely snow during the Chillai-Kalan winter period would help recharge the water table and avert a potential drought in summer.

“This snowfall is a blessing. Tourists were waiting for snow and have started coming now,” Abdullah said, adding that a lack of precipitation could have led to serious water shortages in the coming months.

The chief minister said he had reviewed the situation following the snowfall and expressed satisfaction with restoration work carried out by various departments. He said electricity supply, badly affected in several areas, had been largely restored, with 1,500 MW available against a peak demand of 1,700 MW, though repairs in remote areas would take more time.

Abdullah also said he was in Gulmarg to address operational issues related to the ski drag lift and had instructed officials to make it functional before his departure.

Responding to political questions, he rejected claims by BJP leader Tarun Chugh blaming the National Conference for demands for separate Jammu statehood, reiterating his party’s opposition to the separation of both Jammu and Ladakh from the Union Territory.

Later in the day, officials said limited flight operations had resumed at Srinagar airport, with a few aircraft landing despite continuing light snowfall. Train services across the region were reported to be running on schedule.

With PTI inputs