The Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted as many as 260 stranded passengers between the twin union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on Monday. With this, a total of 1,551 passengers were airlifted so far in AN-32 aircraft, also known as Kargil courier, since the launch of the service on January 22, reported news wire PTI.

The operation was launched following closure of the 434-km Srinagar-Leh national highway due to the heavy snowfall in the region. The Kargil courier service operates three days a week between Jammu and Srinagar, and twice a week between Srinagar and Kargil to facilitate the stranded passengers.