Aviation Resilience: Flights Resume at Srinagar Airport After Snowfall Closure.

Following a day of widespread snowfall and gusty winds, flight operations resumed at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) in Srinagar on Saturday. The resumption marked a significant recovery for air travel in Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy snowfall on Friday had forced the cancellation of all flights at the airport.

Weather conditions improved across the Kashmir valley on Saturday. This allowed airport authorities to begin the critical work of clearing the airfield. Night temperatures across the region, however, remained below the freezing point.

Operational Recovery and Coordination

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) led the swift operational recovery. AAI worked in close coordination with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Their joint efforts successfully cleared the apron and taxiways of accumulated snow.

This essential work made the runway functional again by Saturday morning. Officials confirmed that a joint inspection was carried out. The first flight of the day successfully landed at the aerodrome around 11:00 hrs.

Airline and Passenger Impact

While operations largely returned to normal, some initial disruptions were noted. An early morning flight operated by IndiGo was cancelled. This cancellation was due to unfavourable local weather conditions at the time.

Furthermore, several other flights faced delays or cancellations. These were attributed to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) at Delhi Airport. The NOTAM imposed temporary airspace restrictions related to Republic Day celebrations. Passengers were advised to check their respective airline schedules for real-time updates.

Winter Aviation Challenges

The disruption highlights the ongoing challenges of operating in North India during the winter season. The region is currently under the influence of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ a 40-day period of intense cold. This period brings the highest chance of heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Indian aviation regulators, such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issue specific guidelines for winter operations. These rules mandate that airlines use aircraft and crew qualified for low visibility operations. This includes aircraft compliant with CAT-II and CAT-III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).

Aviation operational resilience is critical for airports like Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport. The quick response from AAI and BRO ensured minimal extended delays. This rapid runway snow removal is vital for maintaining essential connectivity.

• Flight operations at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) resumed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, after a one-day suspension.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully cleared the runway, apron, and taxiways.
• One early morning IndiGo flight was cancelled due to local weather, while other delays were linked to NOTAMs at Delhi Airport.
• The incident underscores the importance of DGCA winter weather guidelines for operational safety in the Kashmir region.

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