Pahalgam Terror Attack: Airlines told to keep fares to Srinagar in check, extra flights deployed for evacuation

SRINAGAR: Following the deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed 26 tourists and two local residents, the civil aviation ministry has directed airlines not to increase airfares on the Srinagar route.

Airlines have also been asked to run extra flights to help passengers leave the city.

Air India and IndiGo will operate four additional flights on Wednesday—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai.

Air India announced it will run two extra flights from Srinagar—one to Delhi at 11:30 am and another to Mumbai at 12:00 noon—due to the current situation.

“Booking for these flights is now open,” the airline said, adding that all other scheduled flights to and from Srinagar will continue as planned.

Air India also stated it is offering free rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations for passengers with confirmed tickets on these routes till April 30. Both Air India and IndiGo have waived charges for rescheduling and cancellations.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held an urgent meeting with airline representatives and issued a strong advisory against raising prices on the Srinagar route.

According to an official release on Wednesday, airlines have been instructed to keep fares at regular levels to avoid putting additional burden on passengers during this difficult time.

Naidu also spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and is closely monitoring the situation with the help of concerned authorities.

“As part of immediate relief efforts, four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged. More flights are on standby if needed for evacuation,” the release added.

The militant attack took place on Tuesday at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam in south Kashmir. At least 26 people, most of them tourists, were killed and many others injured.

The attack has left tourists frightened, and many are now preparing to leave the region.

Baisaran, often called ‘mini Switzerland,’ is only accessible by foot or horseback, as there is no motorable road leading to it.

Two foreign nationals—one from the UAE and another from Nepal—are among those killed.

The deceased also include Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, an officer of the Indian Navy, and businessman Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, Karnataka.