20 Flights cancelled at Jammu, Srinagar Airports due to adverse weather

• Fresh snowfall marks the start of Chillai-Kalan
• Heavy snow blocks Mughal Road
• Dense fog triggers traffic advisory in Jammu

Jammu Tawi, Dec 21: Flight operations at Jammu and Srinagar airports faced major disruptions on Sunday as dense fog and snowfall reduced visibility, leading to the cancellation of 20 flights.

At Jammu Airport, five flights were cancelled due to heavy fog, with more potential delays expected as poor visibility continues. At Srinagar International Airport, 15 flights were called off until 1:00 pm, with several arrivals and departures remaining on hold. Passengers were stranded, prompting authorities to advise travelers to check flight statuses with airlines before proceeding to the airport.

Airport officials warned that adverse weather conditions across North India are likely to prolong flight delays, rescheduling, and cancellations. “Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their airlines before commencing their journey. We regret the inconvenience caused,” they said.

A fresh spell of snowfall swept across the higher reaches of Kashmir on Sunday, accompanied by rainfall in the plains, marking the official onset of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period.

Snow blanketed prominent tourist and high-altitude areas, including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Sadhna Top, and parts of Leh in Ladakh, covering rooftops, roads, and mountains. Srinagar and other valley towns experienced intermittent light rain overnight. Tourists were seen enjoying the season’s first significant snowfall, especially in Sonmarg.

In Bandipora, authorities temporarily closed the 86-km Gurez-Bandipora road due to heavy rainfall, urging travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys. Meanwhile, the weather department forecasted more snowfall and rainfall over the next 48 hours, providing relief after a prolonged dry spell that had contributed to a rise in common ailments.

Earlier this month, snowfall was recorded in high-altitude areas such as Zojila Pass, Minamarg, and Baltal, signaling an early onset of winter. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that all arrangements were in place to handle heavy snow. “Even if we face some hardships due to the snow, I don’t think anyone should complain because we have been eagerly awaiting it,” he said.

The Chillai-Kalan period continues until January 30, followed by Chillai-Khurd (small cold) and Chillai-Bacha (baby cold), traditionally signaling continued snowfall in the region.

Light to moderate snowfall forced the closure of the Mughal Road connecting Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian, and the Sinthan Top Road linking Kishtwar and Doda with Anantnag.

A police and Border Roads Organisation team rescued three tea vendors stranded in the Peer Ki Gali area after they sent video messages seeking help. They were safely evacuated and are in stable condition.

Police in Poonch have set up a helpline for residents during adverse weather and urged the public to avoid non-essential travel, especially in landslide-prone or snowbound areas. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country—remained open, allowing essential movement despite intermittent rain.

Dense fog over the past two days prompted Traffic Police Rural Jammu to issue a detailed advisory, warning commuters of low visibility and heightened risk of road accidents.

Motorists were advised to use low-beam headlights or fog lights, reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance of 4–6 seconds, keep windshields clean, and follow lane markings and traffic signs. Drivers were also urged to avoid unnecessary overtaking, sudden braking, or sharp turns, especially at junctions, flyovers, and highway interchanges.

Authorities strongly recommended avoiding non-essential travel during extremely poor visibility, allowing extra travel time, keeping mobile phones charged for emergencies, and using indicators well in advance.