Outside Srinagar International Airport. File | Picture source: Special arrangement
The panic fell into the tourism industry immediately after the terrorist attacks in Pahargam, Chamu and Kashmir on Tuesday (22 April 2025), with travel agencies reporting a series of cancellations. The attack has caused shadows on the peak tourist season in Kashmir, especially among travelers in heat wave struck areas such as Hyderabad, who are looking forward to breathing in the cooler climates of the valley.
Pahalgam terrorist attacks updated April 23, 2025
“Home hours before their flight to Srinagar, six families from Hyderabad canceled their premium holiday package, which included sightseeing in Pahalgam. News of the attack broke and they called me to ask me to cancel everything. We had no choice.
Travel packages from Hyderabad to Srinagar range from family of four, ranging from 100,000 to 2 lakh rupees. The travel agency said the impact could be huge. “Kashmir has always been our reservation destination and we usually make 700 to 800 bookings for Jamu and Kashmir every year and need to reach peak in May and June,” Mr. Motja said.
23,600 visitors in 2024
This destruction comes as the state witnesses record-breaking travel paces. Jamu and Kashmir Economic Survey 2024-25 pointed out that the historical heights in 2024 are 236 million visitors. This figure includes 65,452 foreign tourists, 5.12 lakh pilgrims who bear the Amarnath Yatra, as well as 94.56 lakh devotees and visits Vaishno Devi tevi tevel text tever.
Travel agency asks customers for travel dates in May
Syed Waseem, managing director of Cloudz Tours and Travels, said the valley has surpassed domestic travel preferences for the past three years. “We received about 200 to 300 Kashmir bookings from Hyderabad in May and June. The attack will certainly affect the movement of tourists. Currently, we are asking customers to wait for the travel date in May. But those who left immediately were cancelled.”
Ripples are already visible in Hyderabad. The city has two daily direct flights to Srinagar run by Indigo and India Express, and has seen a series of calls for travel agencies and airlines to cancel bookings. In response, both carriers announced the cancellation of the allegation waiver.
Recognizing the development, the Civil Aviation Administration (DGCA) issued a consultation urging airlines to increase flight frequency in response to possible shifts. The consultation also encourages airlines to be flexible through rescheduling and cancellation policies to support affected passengers.
publishing – April 23, 2025 at 2:30 pm IST
