Snowfall shuts Srinagar airport: 58 flights cancelled; tourists stranded after holiday weekend

SRINAGAR: Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were suspended on Tuesday after continuous snowfall rendered the runway unsafe, officials said. An Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said adverse weather conditions and persistent snowfall in Srinagar forced the cancellation of all arrivals and departures in the interest of passenger safety. “The runway is currently not available for safe aircraft operations. Flights will resume once weather conditions improve and the runway is declared operational,” he said. A total of 58 flights — 29 arrivals and 29 departures — were cancelled due to the snowfall. Airport and airline authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for updates and alternative arrangements. The suspension of flights has stranded hundreds of tourists who were returning home after spending the weekend and the Republic Day holiday in the Valley.