In light of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has warned airlines against raising airfares and instructed them to assist in the transportation of deceased individuals. These directions were conveyed during a meeting between Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and airline operators.
In a separate advisory to the airlines, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that, 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 demand and also to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating evacuation of stranded tourists," the regulator said.
Top Indian airline operators Air India and IndiGo have added two additional flights from Srinagar following the attack at a tourist spot in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left many others injured.
In a post, Air India said it will "operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23."
These include flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai at 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, respectively.
"All our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedule. Air India is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till 30th April 2025 on these sectors," the Tata Sons-owned airline said.
Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that it will be "operating two special flights on April 23."
"In light of the current situation in #Srinagar, we’ve extended waivers on rescheduling and cancellations," the airline added.
The Jhunjhunwala family backed airline Akasa Air has also introduced flexible travel options for passengers on Srinagar routes. Customers can cancel bookings for flights between April 23 and 29, 2025, to or from Srinagar and receive a full refund without any additional charges, the airline said in a post. Additionally, passengers are allowed a one-time rescheduling without penalty or fare difference for travel within seven days of their original departure date.
According to MakeMyTrip, the only non-stop flight available from Srinagar to New Delhi is being operated by Air India Express at 9:30 PM, priced at Rs 14,030 per adult. There are currently no flights available for booking from Srinagar to Mumbai. However, details of the special flights may be found on individual airline websites.
Centre Warns Against Price Hike
"Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time," the Civil Aviation ministry said in a statement.
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 accommodate further evacuation needs, the government added.
Naidu has also directed all airlines to extend full cooperation for the transportation of deceased individuals to their respective home states, coordinating efforts with state governments and local authorities.
The attack took place around 3 PM on April 22, when terrorists reportedly opened fire at a crowded market near the Lidder River. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos—children screaming, elderly people falling to the ground, and tourists running for safety as gunshots echoed through the hills.
Reports suggest emergency services, including ambulances and medical kits, took time to reach the scene due to narrow roads. Local residents stepped in to help, transporting the injured in cars and even on makeshift stretchers.
