The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines to maintain regular fare levels on the Srinagar route and to operate additional flights to ensure that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time, after flights from Srinagar to Delhi were as high as Rs 65,000. After the government’s intervention, the prices have now dropped to around Rs 14,000, with only two flights operating – Air India Express and IndiGo. The directive comes after terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam in south Kashmir, killing at least 26 people and injuring several others.

“In the aftermath of the incident in Pahalgam, there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes. In this regard, the airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened destinations across India, facilitating the evacuation of stranded tourists,” the DGCA advisory said. 

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It added, “The airlines are also requested to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees and provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time.”

“Fares on Air India flights from Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi have been capped to ensure affordability. Any high fares shown on booking sites may be due to multi-stop routes or higher cabin classes, offering a mix of direct and indirect options,” Air India wrote on X following the directive.

The airline also indicated that it was “offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings” till April 30 on these sectors.

Airfares on the Srinagar route skyrocketed following the terror attack, as highways were blocked and airports became overcrowded with fearful tourists eager to return to Delhi. A one-way flight from Srinagar to New Delhi for tomorrow was listed for around Rs 65,000, including a layover. Many who are stuck in Srinagar and want to return have taken to social media to share screenshots of sky-high ticket prices.

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“Srinagar–Delhi flight fares are currently 4 to 6 times the usual rates—blatant profiteering by the private sector in a time of crisis,” wrote an individual on Twitter (now X). They also shared a screenshot of flights from Srinagar to New Delhi, with the cheapest one costing a little over Rs 25,000. 

Another shared airfare from Srinagar to Kolkata, with the cheapest one being around Rs 40,000. 

Air India and IndiGo will operate a total of four additional flights from Srinagar to the national capital and Mumbai on Wednesday. Airlines have also waived ticket rescheduling and cancellation charges.

“As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar – two to Delhi and two to Mumbai – have been arranged, with additional flights kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs,” the press release said. 

Naidu has also directed all airlines to extend full cooperation for the transportation of deceased individuals to their respective home states, working in sync with state governments and local authorities.

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Air India will operate a flight from Srinagar to Delhi at 1130 hours and from Srinagar to Mumbai at 1200 hours. “All our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedule,” it said in a post on X. Air India operates five flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar daily. The airline is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30 on these sectors.

IndiGo, which operates 20 flights daily connecting Srinagar, said that it has extended waivers for rescheduling or cancellations for travel until April 30, applicable to bookings made on or before April 22. “Additionally, we are operating two flights today, April 23, to and from Srinagar, one each from Delhi and Mumbai,” the airline said.

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Akasa Air said passengers who wish to cancel their bookings will be provided with a full refund at no additional charge for all flights departing between April 23 and 29 to/from Srinagar. “Customers can make their first schedule change at no additional charge, including waiver of penalty or fare difference, for travel within 7 days from their original date,” the airline said.

Air India Express said that in view of the prevailing situation in Pahalgam, it is extending full support to its passengers flying to and from Srinagar. “Guests booked to travel on Air India Express flights from or to Srinagar until 30th April 2025 are being offered the flexibility to reschedule their travel with a complete waiver of date change fees and fare difference,” it said. 

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The airline connects Srinagar directly to five destinations, namely Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata, with around 80 weekly flights.

(With inputs from PTI)