Flights to Leh suspended as heavy snowfall disrupts travel across himalayan region
Flight operations to and from Leh were temporarily suspended on Sunday after heavy snowfall reduced visibility and rendered runway conditions unsafe at the Leh airport, disrupting air travel in Ladakh amid intensifying winter conditions across the Himalayan region.
Airlines, led by IndiGo, confirmed that both arrivals and departures at Leh airport were put on hold due to snow accumulation and poor visibility. Passengers were advised to check flight status before heading to airports, as delays, cancellations, and extended waiting times were expected. Some passengers already boarded aircraft were reported to have faced prolonged delays as safety protocols were enforced.
SpiceJet also issued advisories cautioning that adverse weather conditions in Leh could impact scheduled flights and result in consequential delays. Air India, while not issuing a Leh-specific statement, included the region in its broader weather advisories amid widespread winter disruptions affecting northern India.
Aviation officials emphasised that flight operations would resume only after weather conditions improve, stressing that snow-covered runways and limited visibility pose serious risks during take-off and landing, particularly at high-altitude airports like Leh.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Leh recorded temperatures plunging to around –9.6 degrees Celsius , accompanied by measurable snowfall. While such conditions are typical for the region in January, the intensity of the snowfall was sufficient to disrupt normal airport operations.
The disruption in Leh comes amid a wider spell of severe winter weather across the western Himalayan belt , including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand . IMD forecasts indicate snowfall in higher reaches of these states, along with cold wave conditions and dense fog in foothill areas and northern plains.
In Jammu and Kashmir, higher-altitude areas have reported fresh snowfall, while regions such as Srinagar and Sonamarg continue to experience extremely low temperatures. In Himachal Pradesh, light snowfall is expected in districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, where road connectivity often becomes vulnerable during winter months. Uttarakhand’s higher mountain areas have also witnessed snowfall, with fog affecting visibility in lower regions.
The Airports Authority of India has warned that dense fog and cold wave conditions could lead to delays at several northern airports, including those serving Himalayan states and the Delhi region. Road and rail traffic in parts of north India have also been impacted, with key mountain passes prone to temporary closures during heavy snow.
Meteorological agencies have not issued a specific timeline for the cessation of snowfall in Leh. However, experts note that January is peak winter in Ladakh , and snow spells along with sub-zero temperatures are likely to persist intermittently through the month. In neighbouring Kashmir, forecasts suggest light snowfall in higher areas over the next one to two days, followed by a relatively drier spell into mid-January.