New Delhi: The Civil Aviation Ministry has instructed airlines to prevent any surge in airfares on the Srinagar route following a terrorist attack at a major tourist location in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, primarily tourists, and injured several others.
In response, Air India and IndiGo will operate a combined total of four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday. Moreover, both airlines have waived fees for ticket rescheduling and cancellations.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu convened an urgent meeting with airline operators and issued a strong warning against increased pricing on the Srinagar route. Airlines have been directed to keep fare levels consistent during this sensitive period, ensuring that passengers are not burdened, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.
Naidu is also in contact with Home Minister Amit Shah and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities. As part of immediate relief measures, he confirmed that four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged, with additional flights on standby for further evacuation needs.
He has instructed all airlines to fully cooperate in transporting the deceased to their home states, working alongside state governments and local authorities. The ministry remains vigilant and committed to providing maximum assistance to those affected, as stated in the release.
Air India plans to operate a flight from Srinagar to Delhi at 11:30 AM and a flight to Mumbai at 12:00 PM. The airline assured that all other flights to and from Srinagar would continue as scheduled. It operates five daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar and is offering passengers with confirmed bookings until April 30 complimentary rescheduling and full refunds for cancellations.
IndiGo has also announced extended waivers for rescheduling and cancellations for travel until April 30, applicable for bookings made on or before April 22, due to the developing situation in Srinagar. The airline will operate one flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar on April 23.
Additionally, Akasa Air announced that passengers who choose to cancel their bookings for flights to or from Srinagar between April 23 and 29 will receive a full refund at no extra charge. Customers can also change their schedules once without incurring additional fees for travel within seven days of their original booking date.
Air India Express has stated that it is providing full support to its passengers traveling to and from Srinagar in light of the current situation in Pahalgam. Guests booked on Air India Express flights to or from Srinagar until April 30 are allowed to reschedule their travel with complete waiver of date change fees and fare differences, or they can opt for a full refund if they choose to cancel.
Air India Express offers direct flights from Srinagar to five destinations—Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata—with approximately 80 weekly flights.
