“3,337 Individuals Flown Out Of Srinagar In 6 Hours”: Aviation Minister
The Pahalgam terrorist attack that happened at 3 PM on Tuesday saw 26 individuals lose their lives.
New Delhi:
In the wake of the tragic terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu ensured that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has given stringent directives to all air operators not to raise fares. The attack, which had occurred at 3 PM on Tuesday, had killed 26 individuals.
“We are making every effort to facilitate safe travel of tourists from Srinagar,” replied Mr Naidu. “Strict orders have been issued to airlines not to indulge in any fare hikes. The fares are being monitored and maintained at moderate rates.”
The instruction from the minister arrives amid worry about high air fares that have followed Tuesday’s attack. Air fares to key destinations like Delhi and Mumbai soared enormously, going beyond Rs 20,000 in some instances. Airline operator websites were reflecting sold-out statuses or posting limited availability at high fares.
Mr Naidu ensured that to allow the return of stranded tourists, more flight operations have been set. The ministry initially arranged for four extra flights-two to Delhi and two to Mumbai. On Wednesday, three extra flights to Delhi were placed on the flight schedule: IndiGo 6E 3203 (departure at 17:00, arrival at 18:00), IndiGo 6E 3103 (departure at 18:00, arrival at 19:30), and a SpiceJet flight due to depart at 22:30.
Mr Naidu informed that cancellation and rescheduling charges have been waived off by all those airlines flying from Srinagar. “It is a time for unity,” he said. “We support every citizen and will see everyone gets whatever assistance is required.”
At Srinagar Airport, facilities have been expanded to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic. Between 6 am and noon on Wednesday, the airport handled 20 departures with a total of 3,337 passengers, Mr Naidu said. Food and water are being distributed, and an additional tent has been erected outside the terminal to provide cover for waiting passengers.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday issued an advisory to all commercial airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, to enhance frequency of flights from Srinagar and remove penalties on change of bookings. The advisory mentioned “unforeseen demand from tourists” and stressed the requirement for “uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to different destinations in India.”
“The airlines are also asked to offer all possible help to tourists who are experiencing unexpected situations and difficulties at this challenging time,” the DGCA further said.
