Pahalgam terror attack: DGCA directs airlines to increase flights and maintain airfares

In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines to increase the number of flights from Srinagar. The move aims to facilitate the swift return of tourists stranded in the region.

The DGCA also urged airlines to waive off cancellation and rescheduling fees for flight tickets to and from Srinagar in response to the heightened demand. The attack on Tuesday at the popular tourist destination in Pahalgam left many injured, prompting a surge of tourists seeking to return to their homes.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the aviation regulator emphasized the need for airlines to act quickly to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar and various destinations across India. The advisory called on airlines to increase flight frequencies to cater to the sudden surge in demand and assist the affected tourists.

"The airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights and provide necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected challenges during this difficult time," the DGCA stated.

To support the efforts, Air India and IndiGo are already operating additional flights from Srinagar on Wednesday. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also intervened to ensure that airlines do not increase airfares during this period of heightened demand. Airlines were instructed to maintain regular fare levels and avoid any surge pricing.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu held an urgent meeting with airline operators, issuing a strict advisory against surge pricing on the Srinagar route. Naidu, who is closely monitoring the situation, also coordinated with Home Minister Amit Shah and relevant authorities to ensure that the situation is handled efficiently.

In a bid to help the affected tourists, four special flights have been arranged from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai. Two flights each to the national capital and Mumbai were scheduled for Wednesday, with additional flights kept on standby in case further evacuation is needed. The government has also directed airlines to cooperate in the transportation of deceased victims to their respective home states.

Air India confirmed that it would operate flights from Srinagar to Delhi at 11:30 AM and from Srinagar to Mumbai at 12:00 PM. The airline announced that all other flights to and from Srinagar would continue as scheduled and that passengers with bookings through April 30 would be allowed to reschedule or cancel without penalty.

IndiGo, which operates 20 flights daily connecting Srinagar, has also waived rescheduling and cancellation fees for flights booked before April 22. The airline is operating two additional flights on April 23 to and from Srinagar to accommodate the increased demand.

Akasa Air has joined the effort by offering full refunds for bookings on flights departing between April 23 and 29 to/from Srinagar. Customers can also make their first schedule change at no extra charge.

Air India Express has extended support to its passengers by waiving fees for changes to flight bookings and offering full refunds for cancellations to and from Srinagar until April 30, 2025. The airline, which operates 80 weekly flights from Srinagar to destinations like Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata, continues to support the evacuation and relief efforts in the region.

As airlines ramp up operations and offer flexibility to passengers, the government remains on high alert to ensure smooth evacuation and support for those affected by the tragedy.