Pahalgam Terror Attack: Air India, IndiGo to operate additional flights from Srinagar to evacuate stranded tourists

In the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed lives of at least 26 tourists, Air India and IndiGo have announced additional flights from Srinagar to assist stranded travelers looking to return home.

The attack, which took place on Tuesday afternoon near a popular meadow in Pahalgam, marks the deadliest act of terror in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama incident. Armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, leaving more than two dozen dead and sparking widespread calls for immediate evacuation of visitors from the region, PTI reported.

Compounding the crisis, recent flash floods and landslides in Ramban district have forced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, stranding thousands of tourists in the valley for over three days.

Also Read:Pahalgam Terror Attack: At least 20 feared killed, several others injured as militants open fire at tourists; PM Modi condemns cowardly act

Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet to operate additional flights

In response, Tata Group-owned Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23. The flights are scheduled to depart Srinagar at 11:30 am (Delhi) and 12:00 noon (Mumbai).

Air India currently operates five daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Mumbai, while IndiGo runs approximately 20 flights each day. Air India Express, which connects Srinagar to five major cities — Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata — with around 80 weekly flights, has also introduced flexible travel options.

“In light of the prevailing situation, guests traveling on Air India Express flights to and from Srinagar until April 30, 2025, can reschedule without paying date change fees or fare differences,” the airline said.

#TravelAdvisory

In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, 23rd April.

Details of the two flights are as under:
Srinagar to Delhi – 11:30 AM
Srinagar to Mumbai – 12:00 noon
Booking for…

— Air India (@airindia) April 22, 2025

IndiGo will also run two additional flights to the same destinations on Wednesday. Both airlines have announced flexible travel policies, including full refunds and rescheduling at no extra charge for passengers booked to or from Srinagar through April 30.

“We are offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30,” Air India stated on X (formerly Twitter).

A SpiceJet spokesperson issued the following statement: "In light of the recent tragedy in Pahalgam, SpiceJet is offering waivers for rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar, valid until April 30, 2025. This applies to all bookings made on or before April 22."

"To minimise passenger inconvenience amid the ongoing situation, we are also operating an additional flight from Srinagar to Delhi today," the statement further added.

"We stand in heartfelt solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those affected during this difficult time," airline said.

Also Read:J&K Terror Attack: PM Narendra Modi concludes Saudi Arabia visit earlier after Pahalgam mishap 

IndiGo echoed similar support, saying, “To support those traveling to and from Srinagar, we are offering waivers for cancellations and rescheduling, and have added two additional flights from Delhi and Mumbai.”

#TravelAdvisory:
In light of the current situation in #Srinagar, we’ve extended waivers on rescheduling/cancellation. We’re also operating two special flights on April 23. For more information, please visit https://t.co/h9C5tfcUUP or call +91 124 4973838 - +91 124 6173838 pic.twitter.com/SDccuqW1Gl

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 22, 2025

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has spoken with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to expedite the return of mortal remains of the deceased tourists from the state. Naidu assured that special arrangements are being made for immediate transportation.

Govt directs airlines to keep fares at regular level

On the other hand, Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines to prevent any surge in airfares on the Srinagar route. Naidu convened an urgent meeting with all airline operators, issuing a firm advisory against fare hikes. According to an official statement released on Wednesday, airlines have been instructed to keep fares at regular levels to ensure passengers are not financially burdened during this difficult time.