India, Jan. 23 -- All flights were cancelled at the Srinagar airport on Friday as heavy snowfall lashed the Kashmir valley, rendering the runway unsafe for aircraft operation, officials said.

Kashmir saw the long and worrying dry spell coming to an end on Friday with the major snowfall of the season, bringing cheer to tourists but causing widespread disruption to essential services.

While the upper reaches, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, recorded over two feet of snow, the heavy accumulation led to the suspension of air traffic, closure of key highways, and significant power outages across the Valley.

"In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas, and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en rout...