Govt. Orders Airlines to Lower Fares & Add Flights from Srinagar

Photo: Instagram/@airindia

The Civil Aviation Ministry has instructed airlines to keep flight prices steady on the Srinagar route and to add extra flights to ensure that passengers are not overcharged during this sensitive time. This comes after flight prices from Srinagar to Delhi reached as high as Rs 65,000. Following the government's action, ticket prices have now dropped to about Rs 14,000, with two airlines—Air India Express and IndiGo—operating flights.

This move comes after a tragic attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, where terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing at least 26 people and injuring several others. After the incident, many tourists rushed to leave Kashmir and return home. Due to this sudden demand, airlines were asked to act quickly and increase the number of flights from Srinagar to other major cities in India to help tourists get back safely.

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Before the government’s intervention, flight prices from Srinagar had gone up sharply. Highways were blocked, and the airport was crowded with people trying to get out of Srinagar. For example, a flight from Srinagar to Delhi was priced at Rs 65,000 for tomorrow, including a layover. Many people who were stuck in Srinagar shared their frustration on social media, showing screenshots of sky-high prices.

One person posted on Twitter about the rising fares: "Srinagar–Delhi flight fares are currently 4 to 6 times higher than usual—this is blatant profiteering by the private sector in a time of crisis." Another shared a screenshot showing that a flight from Srinagar to Kolkata was priced around Rs 40,000.

In response, Air India and IndiGo decided to operate four additional flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—on Wednesday. They also waived the extra charges for rescheduling or canceling tickets.

As part of immediate relief efforts, four special flights have been arranged from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai. More flights are on standby to help evacuate more tourists if needed. The airlines are also working to transport those who have passed away back to their home states, in coordination with state governments and local authorities.

Air India will operate a flight from Srinagar to Delhi at 11:30 AM and a flight from Srinagar to Mumbai at 12:00 PM. All other scheduled flights from Srinagar will continue as planned. Air India operates five daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar. The airline is also offering full refunds or rescheduling options for flights booked until April 30.

IndiGo, which usually operates 20 flights a day between Srinagar and other cities, is offering free rescheduling or cancellations for flights booked before April 22, for travel until April 30. On April 23, IndiGo will operate two flights—one to Delhi and one to Mumbai.

Akasa Air has also offered a full refund for cancellations on flights to and from Srinagar between April 23 and April 29. Customers can change their flight dates without any extra charge, including waiving penalties for fare differences, if they travel within seven days of their original booking.

Air India Express has announced similar measures, allowing passengers to reschedule their flights without paying extra fees or fare differences. The airline offers direct flights from Srinagar to five cities—Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata—operating about 80 flights every week.

This action from the airlines and the government aims to ease the burden on stranded tourists and ensure that everyone has a chance to return home without facing sky-high ticket prices.