Government Steps In to Keep Srinagar Airfares Affordable After Attack

After a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, killed at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured others, the Civil Aviation Ministry has told airlines to keep Srinagar airfares steady and add extra flights to help travelers.

Air India and IndiGo will run four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday. Airlines are also waiving fees for changing or canceling tickets to ease the burden on passengers.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu met with airline officials and ordered them to avoid raising fares during this crisis, according to a Wednesday statement. He’s working with Home Minister Amit Shah and monitoring the situation closely.

The ministry has arranged four special flights two to Delhi and two to Mumbai from Srinagar, with more ready if needed. Airlines are also helping transport deceased individuals to their home states, coordinating with local authorities.

Air India will operate a Srinagar-Delhi flight at 11:30 AM and a Srinagar-Mumbai flight at 12:00 PM, while keeping its five daily Srinagar flights on schedule. It’s offering free rescheduling or full refunds for bookings through April 30, as posted on X.

IndiGo, with 20 daily Srinagar flights, is adding two extra flights on April 23 one to Delhi and one to Mumbai and waiving fees for changes or cancellations for travel through April 30, per a post on X.

Akasa Air is giving offering full refunds and free schedule changes for Srinagar flights between April 23 and 29, according to a post on X.

Air India Express, which flies to Srinagar from five cities with about 80 weekly flights, is allowing passengers booked through April 30 to reschedule or cancel for a full refund, as stated on X.

The government is working to keep travel affordable and support those affected by the tragedy.