At DGCA's behest, more Srinagar flights and some relaxations, but...

Aviation watchdog DGCA on Wednesday, 23 April, asked the airlines to increase the number of flights from Srinagar to facilitate the return of tourists in the aftermath of .

Besides, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested the carriers to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees for Srinagar flight tickets.

Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, 22 April, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.

In an advisory, DGCA said that in the aftermath of the incident in Pahalgam, there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes.

"In this regard, the airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and also to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating evacuation of stranded tourists," it said.

According to the advisory, airlines have also been asked to provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time.

Air India and IndiGo are operating additional flights from Srinagar on Wednesday.

Srinagar airport, which has a rush of fliers today, has set up tented seating with water fountains outdoors to manage the crush, per a local journalist’s post on X.

Meanwhile, the civil aviation ministry has asked airlines to ensure there is no surge in airfares on the Srinagar route. Unfortunately, complaints on the internet suggest this has not, in fact, been the experience of many travellers.

National carrier Air India quickly announced an 11:30 a.m. flight from Srinagar to Delhi and a Srinagar to Mumbai one at noon on 23 April, today. But did not immediately announce any further additions. It did, however, declare complimentary rescheduling and full refund on cancellations in these sector till 30 April.

It also issued a ‘clarification’ on higher fares seen in booking sites, saying that it has already capped fares on this sector.

Indigo has announced fee waivers on cancellations and reschedulings till 30 April, and added one new flight each for Srinagar–Delhi and Srinagar–Mumbai, to and fro.

Autos at Ghanta Ghar near Lal Chowk were seen offering free airport rides — surely a testament to Kashmir's heart in times that are sure to see an economic crisis for the union territory.

Airline helplines

Air India: 011-69329333 , 011-69329999

IndiGo: +0124-6173838, +0124-4973838

With PTI inputs