Airfare caps imposed on Kashmir flights; airlines add extra capacity

File photo: Srinagar airport
| Photo Credit:
NISSAR AHMAD

Airfare caps have been imposed on flights to and from the Kashmir Valley to facilitate the evacuation of stranded passengers following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, sources told businessline.

Additionally, the civil aviation regulator, DGCA, is maintaining a “strict vigil” on any fare escalation, sources said.

Airlines have also been directed to increase flight capacity on routes to and from the Kashmir Valley.

According to sources, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), along with the DGCA, informed airlines of the decision, which was taken “at a time of national tragedy” in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

“We have directed airlines not to charge more than a specified fare on routes to and from Srinagar; these limits have been determined based on ‘fair cost calculations’,” sources told businessline.

“The regulator is monitoring the situation in terms of both fares and capacity requirements. Airlines are also adding capacity to evacuate stranded tourists.”

According to sources, the ‘fair cost calculations’ were based on factors such as fuel efficiency.

The development comes after Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a “strong advisory against surge pricing”.

The minister, sources said, has assured State governments of “full support to facilitate the safe return of tourists and coordination with State authorities.”

Additionally, Minister Naidu has directed all airlines to extend full cooperation in transporting the deceased to their respective home States, working in coordination with State governments and local authorities.

Airlines, for their part, have waived certain additional charges to support passengers flying to and from Srinagar.

“Guests booked to travel on Air India Express flights to or from Srinagar until April 30, 2025, are being offered the flexibility to reschedule their travel with a complete waiver of date change fees and fare differences,” the airline said.

“Guests may also opt to cancel their bookings and receive a full refund to their original mode of payment,” the airline added.

Air India Express connects Srinagar directly with five destinations — Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata — operating approximately 80 flights a week.

Additionally, IndiGo has waived cancellation and rescheduling fees to support passengers travelling to and from Srinagar.

The airline also added two flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Srinagar, over and above the regular schedule.

On Tuesday, amid US Vice President JD Vance’s official visit to India, terrorists carried out an audacious attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, killing at least 27 tourists, including two foreign nationals, and injuring 10 others.

The signature attack is reminiscent of the Chittisinghpura massacre of 35 Sikh villagers on March 20, 2000, ahead of former US President Bill Clinton’s visit to India.

Published on April 23, 2025