Tourists were stranded in Kashmir amid heavy snowfall on Tuesday as airlines cancelled dozens of flights. An Airport Authority of India official told PTI that airlines had decided to cancel most flights due to the inclement weather and ongoing snowfall at the airport. Matters are likely to escalate with the weather department forecasting storms and snowfall over the next few days.

Around 50 flights to and from Srinagar International Airport were cancelled on Tuesday as snowfall continued across Kashmir. “In view of adverse weather conditions and continuing snowfall at Srinagar Airport, airlines have cancelled most of the flights for today,” the official told the news agency.

So far, about 50 flights – including 25 arriving and 25 departing – have been cancelled as snowfall continued till the last available reports. Officials added that four more flights were scheduled to land at Srinagar, but they are unlikely to operate because of the worsening weather.

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Passengers have been advised to remain in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternative arrangements, an official said. The large-scale cancellations have stranded hundreds of tourists who were planning to return home after spending the weekend and the Republic Day holiday in the Valley.

Srinagar Airport shares update on X

In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Srinagar Airport said, “Due to prevailing adverse weather conditions at Srinagar Airport, additional flights have been cancelled for today. The updated list of cancelled flights is attached. Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate arrangements.” 

Explaining the situation, the airport said, “Due to continuous light snowfall since early hours, snow accumulation has been observed on airside pavements. BRO teams are actively engaged in snow clearance to make the operational areas fit for flight operations. Owing to adverse en-route weather and prevailing conditions, flight delays may be expected”.

IndiGo issues travel advisory

IndiGo Airlines also issued a travel advisory early Tuesday morning, warning that snowfall could disrupt flights to and from Srinagar. 

In its X post, the airline said, “Ongoing snowfall in #Srinagar may impact flight operations. If you or your loved ones are travelling, please check your flight status here: https://goindigo.in/check-flight-status.html. In case of cancellations, you may explore alternate options or claim a refund by visiting: https://goindigo.in/plan-b.html.”

IMD warns of isolated thunderstorms

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said several parts of the Jammu region witnessed rain and snowfall on Tuesday, with Srinagar experiencing “slight continuous snowflakes”. The weather office has also issued a warning for isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and strong winds of 40–50 kmph across Jammu and Kashmir.

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Heavy snowfall was also reported from several areas of Jammu and Kashmir this season, including Rajouri district. The Kotranka–Budhal belt in the Pir Panjal range received significant snowfall, drawing tourists to the region. Local residents said such intense snowfall has not been seen in nearly 25 years.