Rising tensions threaten to ground travel plans

Foreign tourist arrivals and domestic travel are likely to take a hit in the coming weeks following Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Indian armed forces in the early hours of Wednesday, industry insiders said.

- AKSHARA SRIVASTAVA

The military action and fears of further escalation are beginning to affect inbound travel to India, some executives said, pointing to the shutdown of several airports in North India and airlines issuing travel advisories against visiting areas near the India-Pakistan border. "People will start to become more cautious. What will be most affected is inbound travel until the situation de-escalates," said an industry executive.

"While we hope this is a short-term impact, nothing can be said for sure at the moment as the situation is still developing," the executive added. He also pointed to Indians reconsidering their outbound or international travel plans — not only due to safety concerns but also rising costs — as well as travel to areas closer to the border.

The summer months make up the peak tourist season for the northern belt, as people travel to destinations in the hills and mountains. However, this season is likely to be affected by the current political climate.