3,337 Passengers Depart Srinagar in Just 6 Hours, Confirms Aviation Minister
In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—which claimed the lives of 26 people at around 3 PM on Tuesday—Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all airline operators to refrain from increasing airfares.
“We are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar,” said Mr Naidu. “Strict instructions were given to airline companies to avoid any fare surges. Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels.”
The minister’s intervention comes amid rising public concern over a sharp spike in airfares following the attack. Ticket prices for flights to key cities like Delhi and Mumbai soared, in some cases crossing ₹20,000, with several online booking platforms displaying “sold out” or showing only limited high-priced seats.
To aid stranded travelers, Mr Naidu confirmed that the ministry arranged additional flights. Initially, four extra flights—two each to Delhi and Mumbai—were deployed. On Wednesday, three more flights to Delhi were added to the schedule: IndiGo 6E 3203 (departing at 17:00, arriving at 18:00), IndiGo 6E 3103 (departing at 18:00, arriving at 19:30), and a SpiceJet flight scheduled to depart at 22:30.
In addition, Mr Naidu stated that all airlines operating from Srinagar have waived cancellation and rescheduling fees. “This is a time for solidarity,” he said. “We stand with every citizen and will ensure all support needed.”
To manage the increased footfall, operations at Srinagar Airport have been scaled up. Mr Naidu noted that between 6 AM and noon on Wednesday, the airport handled 20 departures, accommodating a total of 3,337 passengers. Authorities have begun distributing food and water, and an extra tent has been set up outside the terminal to shelter waiting travelers.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging airlines including Air India and IndiGo to enhance flight frequency from Srinagar and to waive penalties on booking modifications. The advisory cited a surge in demand from tourists and stressed the importance of “uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India.”
“The airlines are also requested to provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time,” the DGCA added.
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