Following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued an advisory to airlines to keep flight prices from Srinagar to other cities moderate. The DGCA asked airlines to increase flight capacity from Srinagar and waive cancellation and rescheduling charges for passengers impacted by the crisis. The advisory aimed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating the evacuation of stranded tourists.
In response to the advisory, several airlines have taken measures to assist passengers. Air India has capped fares on its flights from Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi to ensure affordability. The airline is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30, 2025. Air India has set up a contact center to assist passengers, which can be reached at 011 69329333 or 011 69329999.
IndiGo has also followed suit, announcing two special flights on April 23 from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar. The airline has extended fee waivers for cancellations or rescheduling for passengers with bookings made on or before April 22. IndiGo has committed to assisting customers traveling to or from Srinagar and Jammu with any disruptions to their travel plans.
Additionally, Air India Express has issued a public advisory waiving all change and cancellation charges on flights to and from Srinagar until April 30, 2025. The airline’s decision aims to provide relief to passengers affected by the crisis. The DGCA’s advisory and the subsequent actions by airlines demonstrate a collective effort to support passengers and ensure their safety and convenience during this challenging time.
The measures taken by the airlines are expected to provide significant relief to passengers who are stranded in Srinagar or have been affected by the crisis. The capping of fares, waiver of cancellation and rescheduling charges, and provision of special flights are all intended to facilitate the evacuation of tourists and ensure that passengers can travel safely and affordably. As the situation in Srinagar continues to evolve, the airlines and the DGCA will likely continue to monitor the situation and take further measures as needed to support passengers.