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In the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives on Tuesday at 3 PM, the government has stepped in to prevent further distress to the public. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued firm directives to all airline operators, strictly prohibiting any surge in airfares. This move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure accessibility and support for those affected during this time of national mourning and heightened travel demand.
"We are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar," said Mr Naidu. "Strict instructions were given to airline companies to avoid any fare surges. Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels."
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.
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) April 23, 2025
In addition to the… pic.twitter.com/jpxhvDDZl6
Amid rising concerns over exorbitant airfares following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken decisive steps to ensure fair pricing and facilitate the movement of affected individuals. Reports indicated that ticket prices to key cities like Delhi and Mumbai had surged alarmingly, sometimes crossing Rs 20,000, with airline websites either showing sold-out statuses or limited availability at inflated rates.
To address the situation, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that additional flight operations were swiftly arranged to assist stranded tourists. Initially, the ministry added four extra flights—two each to Delhi and Mumbai. On Wednesday, the efforts were scaled up with three more flights scheduled to Delhi: IndiGo 6e 3203 (departing at 5:00 PM), IndiGo 6e 3103 (at 6:00 PM), and a SpiceJet service expected to depart at 10:30 PM. These measures are part of a broader response to ensure smoother travel and to support those impacted during this crisis.
In a show of support and solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that all airlines operating from Srinagar have waived cancellation and rescheduling charges. “This is a time for unity,” he emphasised. “This is a time for solidarity," he stated. "We stand with every citizen and will ensure all support needed”
To manage the increased passenger flow, Srinagar Airport has expanded its operational capacity. According to Mr. Naidu, between 6 AM and noon on Wednesday, the airport saw 20 departures, accommodating a total of 3,337 travellers. Authorities have also arranged for the distribution of food and water, and an extra tent has been set up outside the terminal to shelter passengers waiting in the queue. These efforts aim to ease the burden on travellers and ensure smoother transit during this difficult time.
On Wednesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released an advisory directing all commercial airlines, including major carriers like Air India and IndiGo, to ramp up flight operations from Srinagar and eliminate charges on booking modifications. Highlighting the “unexpected demand from tourists,” the advisory stressed the importance of “uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India.” The DGCA further stated, "The airlines are also requested to provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time."