In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of at least 26 Hindu tourists and injured many others, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has stepped in to ensure safe and affordable evacuation and travel from Kashmir. The government has directed airlines to maintain regular fares on the Srinagar route and deploy additional flights to aid in the crisis.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu held an emergency meeting with airline executives on Tuesday (22 April 2025) evening, following consultations with Home Minister Amit Shah. In the meeting, the minister instructed airlines not to raise fares and to ease the travel burden on those affected. “Airlines have been advised to keep fares at regular levels and avoid any financial exploitation of passengers in distress,” the ministry said in a statement.
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.
In addition to the… pic.twitter.com/jpxhvDDZl6
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) April 23, 2025
As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights are being operated from Srinagar on Wednesday (23 April 2025) — two each by Air India and IndiGo. These include two flights to Delhi and two to Mumbai. Additional flights have also been placed on standby, should further evacuation become necessary.
Both Air India and IndiGo have announced waivers on rescheduling and cancellation fees for tickets to and from Srinagar booked up to 30 April 2025. IndiGo clarified that this applies to bookings made on or before 22 April 2025. Air India stated that its existing five daily services between Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar will continue as scheduled, with extra capacity being added where needed.
“In light of the evolving situation, we are operating two extra flights today, 23 April 2025 — one each to and from Srinagar, connecting with Delhi and Mumbai,” IndiGo announced via social media.
Air India also confirmed its special operations: one flight to Delhi at 11:30 AM and another to Mumbai at 12:00 PM from Srinagar.
Beyond flight arrangements, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to assist in the transportation of the deceased victims’ remains to their respective states. Coordination is being carried out with local authorities and state governments to ensure this process is conducted with urgency and dignity.
The Ministry affirmed it remains on high alert and fully committed to supporting victims, their families, and all impacted passengers in the aftermath of the Valley’s deadliest terror strike since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The situation continues to be monitored closely by top government officials, including Minister Naidu and Home Minister Shah, who also visited the attack site in Baisaran to assess the ground reality.
(With inputs from CNBC TV18)
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