April 23, 2025 - Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has said that the Civil Aviation Ministry is monitoring airfares after the Pahalgam attack to ensure airlines cooperate with the stranded tourists who want to leave.

Naidu held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and also issued a strong advisory against price rise on the Srinagar route.

"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,” the Minister said.

However, despite the Ministry’s efforts, airfares have reportedly skyrocketed on the sector even as tourists scramble to cut short their holiday and return home.

Meanwhile, Air India and IndiGo have arranged to operate four additional flights from the region to cope with the rush. There will be two extra flights each to Delhi and Mumbai from Srinagar apart from the regular schedule.

Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air are also offering free rescheduling and full refunds on cancellation of tickets on this sector.

"Guests booked to travel on Air India Express flights from or to Srinagar until 30th April 2025 are being offered the flexibility to reschedule their travel with a complete waiver of date change fees and fare difference," Air India said in a post on X.

Akasa Air has announced full refund at no additional charge for all flights departing between April 23 and 29 to and from Srinagar.

NCP-SCP Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule told the media, "It is our responsibility to bring back our people safely. We are in touch with the J&K Administration. I demand that airfare and railway ticket fares be subsidised to facilitate the return of our people."

Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has requested the Civil Aviation Minister to make arrangements for the swift transportation of the mortal remains of victims from Maharashtra.

Naidu assured Shinde of all cooperation and has directed airlines to work with the State government and local authorities for speedy transportation of the deceased to their respective cities.

With Media Inputs