Srinagar, Dec 7: For the second consecutive day, fog and poor visibility led to the cancellation of all 24-flights at Srinagar International Airport on Saturday.
“There were 24 flights scheduled for the day. The poor visibility prevented all aircrafts from either landing or taking off,” Director Airport Authority of India, Srinagar, Santosh Dhoke told The Kashmir Monitor.
On Friday, foggy weather conditions had obstructed 11 flights from taking off while 14 flights operated normally during the day.
An official at Airport Authority of India said poor visibility often leads to disruption of air traffic because Srinagar Airport lacks upgraded landing and lighting system
Dense fog along with the cold wave conditions prompted people to stay indoors in the valley. In Srinagar, low visibility disrupted traffic movement on roads in the morning. Vehicles were seen plying with headlights on. As day progressed, visibility also improved.
“I drove from home in Natipora with extreme caution as the visibility was very low in the morning. Even though my car headlights were on all the while, I struggled to find the way,” said Wasim Ahmad, a student at University of Kashmir.
Director Metrological Department, Kashmir, Sonam Lotus said foggy conditions will persist on Sunday as well.
“There are chances of fog in the morning on Sunday at low lying areas near Srinagar Airport. Weather conditions are likely to improve in the afternoon,” he said.
Lotus said that mercury will plummet in the coming days due to fog in the valley. “Another spell of snow and rains from December 10 to 13 is expected across the region,” he added.
