Pahalgam terror attack: DGCA asks airlines to increase Srinagar flights and keep fairs reasonable

It also urged various airlines to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees, amid complaints that operators have increased the fare owing to higher demand.

New Delhi: Government on Wednesday instructed airlines to operate more flights from Srinagar and keep airfares at “reasonable” levels to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to facilitate evacuation of stranded tourists after the Pahalgam terror attack.

It also wanted airlines to waive cancellation and rescheduling fees, amid complaints that operators have increased the fare owing to higher demand. A total of 3,337 passengers flew out of Srinagar in 20 flights between 6 AM and 12 PM on Wednesday. 

IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet are operating seven extra flights in addition to their normal scheduled services from Srinagar, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu said.

“In the wake of the tragic terror attack, we are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar. Strict instructions were given to airline companies to avoid any fare surges, Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels,” he said adding, all airlines operating from Srinagar have waived cancellation and rescheduling charges to support passengers.

“Food and water are being provided at the airport and an extra tent has been set up outside for those waiting...I am personally monitoring the situation and in constant touch with the Home Ministry and airline operators. This is a time for solidarity. We stand with every citizen and will ensure all support needed,” he said. 

IndiGo announced waivers for cancellation fees or rescheduling charges and adding special flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Mumbai with immediate effect as well as taking steps to “keep the fares moderated”. Air India also started operating additional flights from Srinagar on Wednesday while SpiceJet also waived  cancellation fees or rescheduling charges. 

In its advisory, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes in the  aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in which over two dozen people were killed.

“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 civil aviation regulator said.

The airlines have also been asked to provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time.

In a statement, IndiGo said it understands the “concerns and difficulties” fliers may be facing due to the current situation in Pahalgam. 

“To support those traveling to/from Srinagar, IndiGo is offering waivers for cancellation fees or rescheduling charges. IndiGo has added special flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Mumbai with immediate effect and will be operating these over and above the regular schedule of 160 weekly flights from / to Srinagar from various parts of India,” it said. 

A SpiceJet spokesperson said the airline is extending waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar, valid until April 30. This applies to all bookings made on or before April 22. “To minimise passenger inconvenience amid the ongoing situation, we are also operating an additional flight from Srinagar to Delhi today (Wednesday),” the spokesperson said.