Dense Fog grounds flights, slows traffic across Kashmir

Irfan Yattoo
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15 Dec 2025

Cold wave to continue till Dec 19: MeT

Srinagar, Dec 15: A severe cold wave tightened its grip on Kashmir on Monday as dense fog enveloped large parts of the Valley, disrupting normal life and affecting air and road traffic. Poor visibility led to multiple flight cancellations at Srinagar International Airport and slowed traffic across the city.

Srinagar remained shrouded in thick fog for the second consecutive day, with visibility extremely low until around 11:30 am. The dense fog caused slow-moving traffic, particularly on major roads, prompting authorities to urge motorists to drive cautiously.

At Srinagar International Airport, flight operations were severely impacted in the morning. An airport spokesperson told Rising Kashmir that adverse weather led to the cancellation of five flights and delays to at least ten others due to fog. Additionally, two flights were cancelled for operational reasons.

Of the 64 scheduled flights (32 arrivals and 32 departures), IndiGo accounted for 36 movements (18 arrivals and 18 departures). The airline cancelled eight flights, four due to operational reasons and four due to bad weather. Other airlines collectively cancelled six flights owing to poor weather, including four Air India Express and two Air India flights.

Flight delays were also widespread. IndiGo reported delays to 18 flights (nine arrivals and nine departures) due to bad weather. Other carriers, including Air India, Akasa Air, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, recorded delays to around ten flights.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) forecast that cold wave conditions are likely to persist across the Valley until December 19. Night temperatures are expected to remain below normal in most parts of Kashmir over the coming days.

Officials said night temperatures are expected to remain below normal in most parts of Kashmir over the next couple of days.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Traffic Police issued an advisory for commuters, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and late evening hours, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and use fog lights where necessary.

Authorities have advised travellers to check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, as weather-related disruptions may continue if foggy conditions persist.