Government asks airlines to ensure the increase in tickets in Srinagar, urging increased flights
An official press release said airlines have been instructed to maintain regular fare levels to ensure there is no passenger burden during this sensitive period.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to ensure that no tickets emerge on the route in Srinagar and that airlines will operate other flights to the city. Terrorists attacked at a major tourist site in Pahalgam in southern South Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mainly tourists, and bombing several others.
Air India and Indigo will open a total of four flights from Srinagar to the national capital and Mumbai on Wednesday. The airline also waived its rescheduling and cancelling alleged tickets.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held an emergency meeting with all airline operators and issued strong suggestions to oppose the emergence of the route in Srinagar.
An official press release said airlines have been instructed to maintain regular fare levels to ensure there is no passenger burden during this sensitive period.
Naidu also spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and is coordinating with relevant authorities to closely monitor the situation.
“As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar, two to Delhi and two to Mumbai have been arranged – additional flights have been arranged to meet further evacuation needs.”
Naidu also instructed all airlines to transport individuals of the deceased to their respective states in conjunction with state governments and local authorities.
The ministry remains on high alert and is committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected, the press release said.
Air India will fly from Srinagar to Delhi within 1130 hours and from Srinagar to Mumbai within 1200 hours.
“All other flights we have to and from Srinagar will continue to go as planned,” it said in an article on X.
Air India flights five flights per day from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar.
The airline also offers passengers free rescheduling and full refunds until April 30 bookings are made on these departments.
Indigo said that in light of the emerging situation in Srinagar, it has expanded the scope of rescheduled or cancelled waivers to April 30, which applies to bookings made on or before April 22.
“In addition, we are traveling to and from Srinagar today on April 23, operating one flight from Delhi and Mumbai every time,” the airline said in an article on X.
Indigo connects 20 flights to Srinagar every day.
Akasa Air said passengers who wish to cancel their reservation will provide full refunds for all flights to and from Srinagar from April 23 to April 29.
“Customers can travel within 7 days since the original date, so they can change their first schedule, including waiving fines or fare difference,” the airline said in a post on X.
Air India Express said it is providing full support to passengers traveling to and from Srinagar in light of the prevalence of Pahargam.
“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.
Air India Express connects Srinagar directly to five destinations – Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chamu and Kolkata – with approximately 80 flights per week.
(This story has not been edited by DNA staff except for the title and published from PTI)
