Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed on Wednesday that the ministry has issued strict instructions to all the airline operators not to hike airfares. He said that between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, a total of 3337 people were flown from the valley, and the airport handled 20 departures.
According to the minister, three more flights to Delhi have been added for today—IndiGo 6E 3203 (Dep: 1700, Arr: 1800), IndiGo 6E 3103 (Dep: 1800, Arr: 1930), and a SpiceJet flight scheduled to depart at 10:30 PM.
“In the wake of the tragic terror attack, we are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar. Strict instructions were given to Airline companies to avoid any fare surges, Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels. In addition to the four extra flights already announced, three more flights to Delhi have been added for today—IndiGo 6E 3203 (Dep: 1700, Arr: 1800), IndiGo 6E 3103 (Dep: 1800, Arr: 1930), and a SpiceJet flight scheduled to depart at 10:30 PM. All airlines operating from Srinagar have waived cancellation and rescheduling charges to support passengers,” the minister posted on X.
The minister further added that food and water are being provided at the airport and an extra tent has been set up outside for those waiting.
“Between 6 AM and 12 PM today, Srinagar Airport handled 20 Departures with 3337 Pax,” the minister further added.
Ram Mohan also said that he is personally monitoring the situation and in constant touch with the Home Minister and the airline operators.
Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.