Pahalgam Attack: Airlines issue travel advisory, add extra flights; govt. steps in to cap fares

The attack, reportedly perpetrated by the militant group "Kashmir Resistance," targeted a group of tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, significantly disrupting the region's growing tourism sector.

To facilitate the safe evacuation of travellers, Air India announced the operation of two additional flights from Srinagar: one to Delhi at 11:30 AM and another to Mumbai at 12:00 noon on April 23.

The airline also issued a travel advisory, offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations for passengers with confirmed bookings through April 30.

IndiGo followed suit, scheduling two special flights on the same day—one each to Delhi and Mumbai.

The carrier also extended waivers on rescheduling or cancellation charges for travelers with bookings made on or before April 22 for journeys until April 30.

The panic triggered by the attack led to an overwhelming demand for outbound flights, causing fares from Srinagar to Delhi to skyrocket—reaching up to INR 65,000 in some cases.

This prompted swift intervention by the Civil Aviation Ministry, which issued a directive to airlines to cap prices and maintain normal fare levels.

Following the advisory, airlines reduced fares substantially, bringing them down to around INR 14,000 for the same routes