Keep regular fare level on J&K flights: Airlines told after Pahalgam attack

Airlines start additional flights to Srinagar after Pahalgam terror attack; 'strongly advised' not to implement surge pricing

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday urged airlines to maintain “regular” fare levels on flights from Jammu and Kashmir and “strongly” advised them against implementing surge pricing.

 

This came a day after terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people — mostly tourists — in the deadliest attack in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike. 

 

"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," said a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

   

"Shri Ram Mohan Naidu also held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a strong advisory against surge pricing. Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time," it said.

 

Naidu directed all airlines to extend full cooperation for the transportation of deceased individuals to their states, working in sync with state governments and local authorities. "The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains on high alert and committed to extending every possible assistance to those affected," it mentioned.

 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday asked the airlines to "take swift action" to increase flights on routes from Srinagar, citing a surge in demand from stranded tourists looking to return home. The regulator called for "uninterrupted" connectivity to key destinations across India to facilitate the evacuation of stranded travellers. 

 

The DGCA has also asked airlines to waive cancellation and rescheduling charges, and to extend all possible assistance to affected passengers. 

 

Srinagar has grown into a key tourist destination in recent years, thanks to a relatively peaceful environment till now. Capitalising on this, Indian carriers ramped up operations. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, they now operate around 676 weekly flights to and from Srinagar, a 17 per cent increase year-on-year.

 

Following Tuesday’s terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian carriers on Wednesday announced free cancellations and date changes for passengers fleeing the state.

 

Akasa Air is offering full refunds and one free rescheduling, including fare difference waivers, for flights to and from Srinagar between April 23 and 29. IndiGo has extended similar waivers for travel until April 30, for bookings made on or before April 22, and is operating additional flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar on April 23.

 

Air India has also added two special flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on April 23 (11.30 am and 12 noon, respectively). All other flights remain on schedule. The airline is offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds for confirmed bookings on these routes through April 30.

 

Naidu spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and was monitoring the situation round the clock, working in coordination with relevant authorities, said the Civil Aviation Ministry.

 

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has put in place a series of coordinated arrangements at Srinagar airport and various other airports across the country to ensure dignified handling and smooth facilitation of passengers and bereaved families in the aftermath of the attack.

 

At the Srinagar airport, a dedicated control room has been established to oversee the transition of passengers and provide real-time facilitation support. The ministry has worked closely with the state government and airlines to ensure that the mortal remains of the deceased, along with their escorting families, are transported to different destinations across the country in a seamless manner. To offer comfort to the waiting passengers, a shamyana has been set up on the city side, complete with adequate seating and arrangements for food, tea, snacks, and water, the ministry stated.

 

Further, the escorting families of the victims are being accorded due respect and attended to in reserved lounges with appropriate refreshments. All basic facilities within the terminal building continue to function without disruption, with special efforts made to maintain the punctuality of flight operations and avoid congestion, it mentioned.

 

Meanwhile, at airports in Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Raipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar, the state governments have confirmed to the ministry that necessary arrangements are in place for the respectful handover of mortal remains. Ceremonial lounges and VIP gates have been prepared to facilitate tributes from dignitaries. The CISF and state police have been briefed to ensure that the handover process to family members is conducted smoothly and with solemnity, it stated.