Airlines operate ADDL flights to Srinagar; government says fares are kept at reasonable levels

New Delhi, April 23 (PTI), the government announced on Wednesday that it would operate more flights from Srinagar and that tickets on the route were at reasonable levels, while tourists looking to return from J&K after the Phalagam Trarty attack.

As many as 3,337 passengers flew out of Srinagar between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Indigo, India and Spicejet operate a total of seven flights in addition to Srinagar’s normal booking services. At least 26 people, mainly tourists, died in the Phalagam terrorist attack.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Wednesday that strict instructions were made to the airline companies to avoid any excitement of fares and that fares are being monitored and maintained at reasonable levels.

His comments also come from the background of some websites, apparently showing that the fare is more than ₹Flight 50,000 to Srinagar.

Indigo, the country’s largest airline, said it has taken steps to keep the fare adjusted in view of the emergency.

The minister also stressed that efforts are being made to ensure safe travel for tourists from Srinagar. “In addition to the four additional flights that have been announced, three more flights to Delhi were added today – Indigo 6e 3203 (DEP: 1700, ARR: 1800), Indigo 6e 3103 (DEP: 1800, ARR: 1930), and SpiceJet flights planned for departure at 10:30 PM,” he said. ”

All airlines operating from Srinagar have waived the cancellation and rescheduling charges in support of passengers.

“The airport is providing food and water, and an additional tent has been set up outside for those waiting. Srinagar Airport handled 20 departures with 3,337 Pax today from 6am to 12pm,” Naidu said.

The minister also said he was monitoring the situation himself and staying in touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs and airline operators.

In a consultation on Wednesday, the DGCA said the demand for tourists to seek to return home was unexpected after the Pahalgam incident.

“In this regard, airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights under demand and ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations in India, thereby facilitating the evacuation of evacuated tourists,” it said.

According to the consulting firm, during this difficult time, airlines also ask airlines to provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected situations and challenges.

Indigo said it provides exemptions for cancellations or rescheduling fees to support those traveling to and from Srinagar.

“Indigo has added special flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Mumbai and has immediate effect and will operate on 160 weekly 160 flights from Srinagar across India,” the airline connects 20 flights a day to various cities across India, and the airline connects Srinagar daily in a statement.

Air India is taking an extra flight from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai. It has five flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar.

According to X.

Spicejet said in an article on X that it is running additional flights and has also extended the rescheduled and cancelled waivers for Srinagar flights until April 30. It is suitable for bookings made on or before April 22.

Akasa Air said in an article on X that passengers who wish to cancel their reservations will receive a full refund at no additional charge, namely all flights from April 23 to April 23 to/from Srinagar.

“Guests who travel from Air India Express from or to Srinagar until April 30, 2025 have the flexibility to reschedule their trips and give up on date fees and fare differences altogether,” the airline said in an article published on X.

According to the airline, passengers also have the option to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund of the original payment method.

Ajay Prakash, president of the Federation of Travel Agency India (TAFI) and CEO of Nomad Travels, said that in the near term, J&K’s tourism industry will be hit hard by the attack.

“As TAFI, we promise to support J&K’s tourism industry and we believe it will recover soon,” he said.