No surge in fares even as additional flights operating from Srinagar

The government on Wednesday announced additional flights will be operated from Srinagar and that airfares on the route are being kept at reasonable levels amid a large number of tourists looking to return from J&K in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

- AGENCIES NEW DELHI

As many as 3,337 passengers flew out of Srinagar in 20 flights between 6 am and 12 pm on Wednesday.

IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet are operating seven extra flights in addition to their normal scheduled services from Srinagar. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, died in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said that strict instructions were given to airline companies to avoid any fare surges, and that fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels.

His comments also came against the backdrop of some websites apparently showing ticket prices of over Rs 50,000 for flights to Srinagar.

The country’s largest airline IndiGo said that in view of the emergent situation, it has taken steps to keep the fares moderate.

Air India said fares for its flights from Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi have been capped to ensure affordability.

“Any high fares shown on booking sites may be due to multi-stop routes or higher cabin classes, offering a mix of direct and indirect options,” the airline said in a post on X.

The minister also emphasised that constant efforts are being made to ensure safe travel of tourists from Srinagar.