J&K’s bad weather disrupts air traffic; 14 flights cancelled at Srinagar airport

Even as the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley received the first snowfall of the season, flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were badly hit on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions, leading to the cancellation of 14 flights.

According to an official communiqué issued by Srinagar Airport, the arrival and departure of 14 flights were cancelled owing to inclement weather.

Poor visibility and unfavourable weather conditions severely affected flight movements.

Airport authorities said that two scheduled arrival flights were still pending, while four departure flights remained on hold at the apron, awaiting weather clearance.

The ongoing spell of bad weather caused widespread inconvenience to passengers, many of whom were stranded at the airport.

Travellers have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates before proceeding to the airport.

Airport authorities further stated that due to prevailing adverse weather conditions across several parts of North India, flight delays, rescheduling, and cancellations are likely to continue.

“Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their airlines before commencing their journey. We regret the inconvenience caused,” officials said.

Advisory issued in rural areas of Jammu due to dense fog

In view of dense fog prevailing across several areas over the past two days, Traffic Police Rural Jammu on Sunday issued a detailed traffic advisory, warning commuters of poor visibility and an increased risk of road accidents and congestion.

According to the advisory issued by SSP Traffic Rural Jammu, motorists have been advised to exercise maximum caution while driving in foggy conditions. Drivers have been urged to use low-beam headlights or fog lights instead of high beams, reduce speed, and maintain a safe following distance of at least 4–6 seconds. The advisory also stressed the importance of keeping headlights on, windshields clean, and using defrosters to prevent internal fogging.

Traffic Police further advised commuters to strictly follow traffic signs, lane markings, reflectors, and cautionary signage; maintain lane discipline; avoid unnecessary overtaking, sudden braking, or sharp turns; and remain alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and slow-moving vehicles. Extra caution has been advised at junctions, flyovers, highway exits, and interchanges.

Motorists have also been asked to avoid non-essential travel during extremely poor visibility, allow extra travel time, keep mobile phones charged for emergencies, and use indicators well in advance while braking gently.

For assistance or information, commuters can contact the Traffic Police Rural Jammu through the official helpline numbers or email. Traffic Police Rural Jammu reiterated its appeal to the public to prioritise safety and cooperate to prevent accidents during foggy weather conditions.

Authorities to regulate traffic movement on hilly roads

Keeping in view the prevailing climatic and road conditions, Traffic Police Rural Kashmir on Sunday issued an advisory regulating vehicular movement on hilly roads across the Valley.

As per the advisory issued by the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural Kashmir, movement on hilly roads shall be permitted strictly in accordance with the prescribed cut-off timings and traffic advisories. Motorists and commuters have been advised to confirm travel timings before commencing their journey by contacting the Traffic Police Control Room (TPC), Rural Kashmir, on the designated helpline numbers.

The advisory further states that motorists must ensure proper anti-skid equipment is fitted to their vehicles, as no vehicle without approved anti-skid mechanisms will be allowed to ply on hilly routes.

These routes include Tangmarg, Gulmarg, Kangan, Sonamarg and beyond, Sinthan–Kishtwar, Mughal Road, Kupwara border roads, and Gurez–Bandipora, subject to road availability.

Traffic Police also clarified that, to avoid congestion and traffic jams at roadside holding areas, only registered anti-skid chain vendors will be permitted to install chains at designated locations.

Traffic Police Rural Kashmir urged commuters to exercise caution, adhere strictly to advisories, and cooperate with authorities to ensure safe and smooth traffic movement during the ongoing spell of inclement weather.