Srinagar flight cancellations: 20+ flights grounded as heavy snow shuts airport & NH-44 highway

Heading to Kashmir? Over 20 flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport today due to heavy snowfall. Jammu-Srinagar Highway (NH-44) and train services suspended. Check the latest IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet travel advisories.

Flights at Srinagar International Airport were completely suspended on Friday, the 23rd of January, 2026, as the season’s first significant amount of snowfall engulfed the valley. The harsh weather system made the runway at the airport unflyable, while the heavy amount of snow and ice caused the closure of the important mountain surface route, the National Highway running from Jammu to Srinagar.

Air travel paralysed at Srinagar Airport

The airlines stated that even though passengers may face a longer wait on board, they are clearing boarding in advance to be ready to depart in any potential clearance windows. Passengers can utilize "Plan B" to process any refund or bookings.

SpiceJet & Air India: They have issued alerts regarding widespread flight disruptions and consequent delays. They are providing help to stranded passengers and waiting for an opportunity to improve weather conditions.

Major highways & roads blocked

The ground connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country has been hit hard due to the heavy snowfall:

Traffic has been stopped in both directions along NH-44 or the Jammu–Srinagar Highway, especially around Navyug Tunnel and Ramsoo, owing to slippery conditions of the road and deposition of snow.

Mughal and Sinthan roads: These are two major alternative roads, which remain closed at different high-altitude areas.

Traffic Advisory: J&K Traffic Police has stopped all the vehicles at safer locations as a precautionary measure and advised commuters not to start their journey without confirming road status.

Schools closed, emergency helplines active

Public safety has been ensured through prompt action being taken by the district administration:

Education: The government and private schools in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch have been ordered to be closed for the day. Similar experiences were reported in a number of other hilly districts falling under the Jammu division, with classes suspended therein.

Emergency Services: A 24x7 helpline was established in Poonch for assistance in case of blockage or any medical emergency on the roads. The authorities have appealed to the residents not to undertake unnecessary journeys and remain at a distance from avalanche-prone areas.

Winter wonderland at Vaishno Devi and Gulmarg

In spite of all these logistical upsets, there was beauty in snow for religious and tourist attractions too. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at the Trikuta Hills was seen with snow for the first time this year, with pictures tweeted out to mark the event. However, the yatra to this shrine had to come to a stop because of these adverse weather conditions. Gulmarg, Kupwara, and Shopian saw considerable snowfalls too, bringing to an end the long dry spell.

Weather forecast: Peak intensity today. "The current weather activity is expected to intensify today, Friday, according to the India Meteorological Department. Although the intensity is expected to reduce by tomorrow early morning, a Western Disturbance is forecasted to hit the region on January 26, and snow and rain could occur."

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