NH-44 Closed, Flights Cancelled as Heavy Snow Hits J&K

January 23, 2026

Life in Jammu and Kashmir was thrown off course on Friday as heavy snowfall and rain forced authorities to shut the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and cancel flight services at Srinagar Airport. The extreme winter weather has affected road and air connectivity in the region, prompting travel advisories and safety measures.

NH-44 Closure: Road Traffic Suspended

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) the key all-weather road link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country was closed in both directions early Friday morning after snow and rain made the route unsafe for vehicular movement. Snow accumulated rapidly near sections such as Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur, prompting authorities to halt traffic as a precautionary move due to slippery conditions.

Officials also reported that snowfall spread into plains areas and surrounding districts, contributing to treacherous road conditions. Drivers were advised to avoid travel on the affected highway until snow clearing operations are successfully completed and official clearance is issued.

Flights Cancelled as Snow Hits Srinagar Airport

Meanwhile, flight operations at Srinagar Airport were severely disrupted due to snowfall and low visibility. Several airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and others — announced suspensions and cancellations of flights to and from the airport on Friday. Some reports indicate that around 22 flights were cancelled amid the adverse weather conditions, with more expected if conditions persist.

Airport authorities and airlines advised travelers to check the latest flight status before travelling and make use of rebooking or refund options where available. Due to the winter weather, both arrivals and departures were put on hold, and boarding formalities were adjusted so flights could depart swiftly once the runway was safe and clear.

Broader Impact Across Connectivity Routes

In addition to NH-44, reports indicate that some mountain and link roads including alternate routes like the Mughal Road and Sinthan Road were also affected by snowfall, causing further disruptions in surface travel. Authorities urged commuters to refrain from non-essential travel in hilly sectors until weather conditions improve and roads are declared passable.

Heavy snow and rain have also impacted visibility and safety in other parts of the region, with advisories issued by meteorological departments for travelers to stay updated on localized weather conditions.

Safety Advisories and Public Warnings

Given the continuing snowfall and road closures, local administrations and traffic police have warned drivers and passengers to avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary. Snow clearance crews are actively working to clear key stretches, and officials continue monitoring weather developments as the western disturbance systems affect the region.

The adverse weather comes amid ongoing winter conditions in the western Himalayas, which have previously disrupted normal life, power supply, and travel during peak snowfall periods. Authorities have assured that updates on highway reopening and flight operations will be shared as soon as they are available.