• Moumi Mousumi
• 23 Apr, 2025

After the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22nd, 2025 tourists are rushing to leave the valley, causing flight fares to skyrocket. The Indian government has now stepped in, directing airlines like IndiGo and Air India to cap fares, add extra flights and offer full refunds. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urged airlines and hotels not to profit from this crisis, ensuring support for stranded travellers.

Details & Context
The terror attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in South Kashmir, left 26 people dead including three from West Bengal and injured many others. The attack which took place on April 22nd, 2025 sent shockwaves through the valley, a beloved destination for millions of tourists who visit for its stunning natural beauty. Known as “Paradise on Earth” Kashmir sees lakhs of visitors yearly but this tragedy disrupted the peace. Tourists, gripped by fear, began fleeing the region, leading to a massive spike in demand for flights out of Srinagar.

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Airlines, sensing the opportunity, hiked fares drastically—a common practice during high demand known as surge pricing. For instance, as seen in our previous conversation, a Srinagar-to-Kolkata flight on Air India was priced at ₹81,438, while IndiGo and SpiceJet fares ranged from ₹33,687 to ₹37,428. This price surge drew sharp criticism from travellers and activists who accused airlines of exploiting a crisis. In response, the Indian government acted swiftly to ease the burden on tourists.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that he had spoken to authorities, urging airlines, hotels and tour operators to offer full refunds without hassle. The Civil Aviation Ministry, led by Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, held an emergency meeting with airlines, issuing strict instructions to maintain regular fare levels on the Srinagar route and operate additional flights. A government notice on April 23rd, 2025 emphasised ensuring no passenger faces trouble during this sensitive time.

Quotes

·      Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister: “After the tragic incident in Kashmir, many tourists are worried and rethinking their travel plans. I’ve requested airlines, hotels and tour operators to provide full refunds without any hassle.”

·      Government Notice: “Airlines are directed to maintain regular fare levels and ensure no passenger faces trouble during this sensitive time.”

·      Tourist Stranded in Srinagar: “The fares were so high, I couldn’t afford to leave. I’m glad the government stepped in—it’s a huge relief.”

Additional Information
To support tourists, the government ordered airlines to add extra flights from Srinagar. Air India scheduled special flights to Delhi at 11:30 PM and to Mumbai at 12:00 PM on April 23rd, 2025 with plans for five daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar. IndiGo committed to operating 20 daily flights from Srinagar and added two flights—one each to Delhi and Mumbai—on April 23rd. Both airlines also introduced flexible policies: Air India is offering free rescheduling and cancellations with full refunds for Srinagar bookings until April 30th, 2025. IndiGo extended similar waivers for bookings made on or before April 22, valid for travel until April 30th.

Minister Naidu also directed airlines to work with the state government and local authorities to transport the deceased to their home states, ensuring full cooperation. Additional flights are on standby to meet any further demand, showing a coordinated effort to evacuate tourists safely and affordably.

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Impact Analysis
The Pahalgam attack and the subsequent fare crisis have wide-ranging effects,

·      Tourist Safety and Trust: High fares initially made it hard for tourists to leave, adding to their fear. The government’s intervention restores some trust but the attack may deter future visitors.

·      Economic Strain on Airlines: Capping fares and adding flights might hurt airline profits but it’s a necessary step to avoid public backlash during a crisis.

·      Kashmir’s Tourism Industry: The attack has already led to cancellations and high fares could have worsened the situation. Affordable fares and refunds may help mitigate some damage.

·      Public Sentiment: The government’s quick action has been praised but the initial fare hike left many frustrated, highlighting the need for stricter regulations during emergencies.

·      Local Economy: Kashmir’s locals who rely on tourism, face losses. Ensuring tourists can leave safely and return in the future is crucial for recovery.

The Pahalgam terror attack turned a dream vacation into a nightmare for many and soaring flight fares only added to the distress. The government’s decisive steps—capping fares, adding flights and ensuring refunds—show a commitment to supporting tourists during this tough time. While the scars of the attack will take time to heal, these measures offer immediate relief. Kashmir’s beauty deserves to be enjoyed without fear and it starts with fair treatment for travellers. Let’s hope for a safer future for this paradise.

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