Flights were cancelled and travel plans disrupted on Wednesday morning as several airports closed in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The Indian military launched missile strikes against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan soon after midnight — some two weeks after the deadly Pahalgam attack. More than 200 flights were cancelled and others diverted after the attack while key airports remained closed. Against this backdrop, hotels in Ladakh have stepped up to offer complimentary stays for stranded tourists.
“…it has been decided that guests whose outbound flights have been cancelled due to the current situation will be provided complimentary stays at the same hotel where they have been staying in Ladakh. This decision comes at a time when it is vital for the hospitality industry to extend care and support to guests during unforeseen challenges. The initiative reflects the core values of Ladakh’s tourism sector and aims to uphold its reputation as a responsible and welcoming destination,” read a notice from the All Ladakh Hotel and Guesthouses Association.
Domestic airlines announced a slew of flight cancellations on Wednesday morning as India struck terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Operations have been cancelled till Thursday evening for airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Gwalior, Kishangarh, and Rajkot amidst heightened security. Some airlines have already indicated that passengers holding valid tickets for travel during this period would be offered a one-time waiver for rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.