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Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
June 16 date for 1st Srinagar flight after Pahalgam attack
Kolkata: Flights to Srinagar, which were discontinued days after the terror attack at Pahalgam on April 22, are set to restart from Kolkata on June 16. Flights have also resumed to Hindon in Ghaziabad near Delhi, along with Amritsar and Chandigarh. These flights were grounded in the wake of Operation Sindoor. Air India Express , which operates the daily service to Hindon, said the flight bounced back and was attracting good loads. IndiGo also confirmed the response to its Amritsar and Chandigarh flights was encouraging. Sources in IndiGo Airlines said the carrier will resume operations to Srinagar airport from June 16, a month and a half after it discont-inued operations following low loads around April-end as tourist flow to Kashmir plummeted. Air India Express, which also used to operate a daily direct service to Srinagar from Kolkata, said the airline decided to adopt a wait-and-watch strategy on Srinagar to see how its competitor fared before considering the reintroduction of the flight. While Srinagar airport was officially shut down on May 7 — after India launched Operation Sindoor to hit terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir — Air India Express and IndiGo Airlines stopped flights from Kolkata to the airport even earlier due to poor loads. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Apart from Srinagar, 31 other airports were temporarily shut. Kolkata had flights to four of these airports, including Srinagar. Flights to three airports — Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Hindon — were reinstated last week. Sources in IndiGo said the delayed resumption of flights to Srinagar was to ensure that there was enough time for tourist confidence to revive after the attack and for passenger loads to improve. Furthermore, aircraft were diverted to other sectors, and schedules needed to be reworked. Travel agents said they were looking forward to the reintroduction of direct flights from Kolkata to Srinagar to revive tourism in Kashmir. Over 100 travel agents and their associates in Kolkata have pledged to hard-sell Kashmir again. "IndiGo has not rushed into reintroducing the flight but taken a window so that the loads improve by that time. We are delighted that the flights that had been suspended during Operation Sindoor are all being reinstated," said TAFI national committee member Anil Punjabi. TAAI national committee member Manav Soni welcomed the development. "We want to support Kashmir tourism and reintroduction of the direct flight to Srinagar will certainly help the cause. This vital air connection after disturbance will significantly enhance connectivity, making travel to the scenic Kashmir Valley more accessible and convenient for travellers from eastern India. We commend the efforts involved in reinstating this important route and encourage travellers and tour operators to make the most of this opportunity to rediscover the beauty and hospitality of Srinagar," he said.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Travel agents suggest ‘cool' alternatives for domestic tourists
Kolkata: Coffee plantations in God's own Country; a hill station in the heart of Eastern Ghats; divine paradise in India's eastern frontier; colonial charm and nature trails with Himalayan views — travel agents are offering tourists from Kolkata an assortment of appetizing options to cooler climes this summer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Darjeeling and places in Sikkim still remain the favourite go-to domestic destinations for tourists from Bengal in summer, travel agents are urging those who have had to cancel trips to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh following the terror attack and escalation of tension with Pakistan to try out alternative hill India is a tropical country, the vastness of India and its geographical diversity leads to many travel options even during summer across east, north-east, south-west and north India. Flight fares to nearly all destinations are currently at normal level. This indicates that people aren't travelling. That also means good deals at hotels for those who are in a dilemma over whether to travel far, agents are suggesting in comfortable hotels in places where one can drive down. Travel Agents' Federation of India national committee member Anil Punjabi said staycations that had become popular during the pandemic were again in vogue now with people re-evaluating or cancelling their summer vacation plans due to disruptions stemming from heightened tensions between India and Pakistan."The terror attack and India's apt response following escalations of aerial conflict instilled a sense of fear among travellers. Many believe it is not the right time to go for vacations. They are willing to stay back this season with their families. We hope the situation improves soon," said said Travel Agents' Association of India (TAAI) chairman (east) Anjani Lake resident Madhura Bagchi was scheduled for a 10-day trip to Kashmir in the last week of April, which she cancelled due to flight restrictions and ongoing tension. Even those who don't mind travelling to Kashmir, Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh post ceasefire are unable to due uncertainties over flights. IndiGo Airlines has not set any clear timeline for when the flights Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Srinagar could be back. Air India Express, which had a direct flight from Kolkata to Srinagar, has also expressed its inability to provide a date for commencement of the flight, citing security concerns. TAAI national committee member Manav Soni said only a few who had urgent travel requirement were buying flight tickets and then travelling by train when the flights are getting cancelled.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Holidaymakers forgo J&K, Ladakh, Himachal, go for South-East Asia amid border tension
KOLKATA: As tensions simmer along India's northern borders, a wave of cancellations is sweeping through once-popular summer destinations like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. In their place, countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore are becoming the unexpected winners of this year's travel season. Travel agents across Kolkata report a surge in interest for international vacations, leading to flight prices to South-East Asia climbing steadily. The shift follows mounting security concerns and temporary airport shutdowns in the northern states - factors that have turned the spotlight away from the snow-clad Himalayas toward tropical beaches and bustling Asian cities. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases "We are asking travellers to remain cautious and avoid the mountains in north India for the time being. Since Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh tour packages are pretty expensive, we are offering them foreign tours in almost the same money," said Anil Punjabi, national committee member (East) Travel Agents Federation of India. Manav Soni of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) added that they were also asking tourists to avoid the usual summer hot spots in north India and choose safer destinations in India and abroad. India has shut down 27 airports across its northern, western, and central regions, causing widespread flight disruptions and travel concerns. From Kolkata, domestic flights from cities including Amritsar, Hindon, Chandigarh, and Srinagar were cancelled, alongside a few international services from Bangladesh's Chittagong and Dhaka. Kolkata's air traffic control has also revised its flight management strategies in response to restrictions over Pakistan's airspace, mirroring changes made by other ATCs across the country. Tour operators report growing anxiety among passengers as cancellations, diversions, and even citywide blackouts have thrown travel plans into disarray leading to the mood among Indian travellers change dramatically in just a few days. Once eager to explore the cool serenity of the mountains, tourists are now prioritising stability, security - and in many cases, foreign experiences. To stay ahead of the demand, travel agencies are pre-booking tickets to destinations like Bali and Bangkok, locking in rates before they surge further. For Aroon Sahani from Tangra, the change was bittersweet. He and 14 others planned an elaborate eight-day journey through Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg. Now, they are swapping pine forests for palm trees, heading to Bali on May 17. "This would be my first trip to Kashmir," said Sahani. "All three families in our group were excited. But this just doesn't feel like the right time. We're proud of India standing firm, but we would rather not take risks. Bali felt like the perfect alternative - same cost but different vibe." Abhishek Gupta from Ekbalpore faced a similar dilemma. His Ladakh trip, set for late May, was scrapped when news broke about the temporary airport closure and heightened border conflict. Now, he is off to Thailand. "I had been to Thailand before, but this will be the first foreign holiday for my wife and son," Gupta said.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tourism industry stands united against terror, loss of life & livelihood in Kashmir
1 2 Kolkata: Various industry bodies in the travel trade sector in Kolkata joined hands to condemn Tuesday's terrorist attack in Kashmir. They marched in central Kolkata to express support for the families of over two dozen tourists who lost their lives, as well as the thousands involved in the tourism industry in Kashmir who lost their livelihood. On Thursday evening, various organisations representing travel agents, tour operators, and tourism and hotel and restaurant associations held a candlelight march. "We are standing up to and staying united against terrorism. It is also a show of solidarity that we will not stop business in Kashmir. We want to send the message that the barbaric attack will not drive fear into us. We will continue to support tourism in Kashmir," said Travel Agents Association of India national committee member Manav Soni. With the peak tourist season being wiped out in Kashmir following lakhs of cancellations, travel agents in Kolkata decided not to pressurise their counterparts in Kashmir to refund the booking amount. They are asking them to hold it in a credit note for use when the situation improves. For now, the agents are offering alternative tours of equivalent value to clients. Anil Punjabi, a national committee member of Travel Agents' Federation of India, said while there was an outpouring of anger against the attack, the tourism industry stakeholders in Kolkata were conscious that the bullets robbed Kashmiris of their livelihood. "We want the govt to outline measures to safeguard tourists and help the industry there," said Punjabi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India president Sudesh Poddar said: "Foreign tourists unaware of the geopolitics of the region will avoid India." Kashmir's business and travel trade bodies observed a complete shutdown in the Valley on Wednesday. Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, all major travel associations, transporters, restaurant owners, and civil society groups participated in the protest and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Indian Express
‘25-30% of Kashmir's tourists are from Bengal': State's tour operators to take out protest march against Pahalgam attack
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has sent shockwaves through the tourism sector in Kashmir, triggering a wave of cancellations and casting a shadow over what was anticipated to be a promising summer season. Tour and travel operators in West Bengal have called for a protest march in Kolkata on Thursday. 'This is not just a terror attack on humanity but also a direct blow to tourism. The rally will start from the West Bengal Youth hostel and go up to the State Assembly,' said a member of the Travel Agents' Federation of India (TAFI). Anil Punjabi, a national committee member of the TAFI, emphasised the significant role of West Bengal tourists in Kashmir. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, 'Bengal contributes 25-30 percent of Kashmir's total tourism. Kashmir had been very normal, having won tourists' trust over the years. There has been regular traffic from West Bengal to Kashmir, round the year. Sometimes, my travel agents would talk about 'over-tourism' in Kashmir… It took so many years to create this image that has been shattered in seconds.' Akash Kundu, the owner of Kolkata -based Explore India travel agency, shared the immediate impact on his business. 'We have 13 people from Kharagpur who are in Kashmir now. Pahalgam has been removed from the package, and the equivalent of one day's estimated expenditure will be deducted and refunded. We are in constant contact with the group; they are all safe and had themselves requested the cancellation of Pahalgam. Srinagar is a town area, while Pahalgam is off the beaten path, typically requiring a separate car for sightseeing. Our seven-night, eight-day Kashmir package included two nights in Katihar, four in Srinagar, and one in Pahalgam.' Kundu highlighted the prior optimism for the season, stating, 'For 2026, we had launched 17 trips for Kashmir, and all had already been booked. For May, there were multiple bookings for Kashmir, but now we are receiving cancellation requests. Some are more keen to reroute their trips to Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, Spiti, or Ladakh.' Security personnel near the site of the Pahalgam terror attack in Anantnag district. (Photo: Reuters) 'Where there are tourists, you will find Bengalis. The people of Bengal love travelling, but not many want to spend excessively. If the same incident had occurred in Srinagar, it would have impacted the overall tourism of Kashmir. However, a large number of people visit Gulmarg and Vaishno Devi, so those who don't cancel might prefer visiting Gulmarg and then rerouting to Ladakh,' he said. The apprehension among tourists is palpable, leading some travel agencies to reconsider their future offerings for the region. 'In the future, we will refrain from taking bookings for Kashmir. Instead, it is better to book for Himachal Pradesh, Spiti, or Ladakh, which are beautiful places too,' Kundu said. Another tour operator echoed the concerns about the local population's livelihood. 'Sadly, if tourists don't go there, residents will face massive unemployment, and they too might join these militants. The government should have worked on the security system of Kashmir. A trust was built. This is not only our loss but a big loss for the local people who depend on tourism heavily,' he said. As per travel operators, travellers are apprehensive about every spot after this attack — not just Kashmir. 'People want security. Post-pandemic, we saw an increase in domestic travelling because during quarantine, when people explored domestic destinations, they felt that India had beautiful places to explore. Regular travellers from Bengal balanced it with one domestic and one international destination a year. There is a 100 percent cancellation of Kashmir trips after this trip. In fact, we will suggest travellers explore alternative destinations like Himachal Pradesh, Jim Corbett, and others,' said Anil Punjabi. As per the Federation, Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Kerala have thus far been the top three preferred destinations for people in India. 'It will surely take time for people to feel safe to travel to Kashmir. It depends on the government what strict action they will take, and what role they play to win back tourism,' he said. Efforts are underway by travel agencies and authorities to assist affected tourists with cancellations and refunds. Some airlines and online travel platforms are reportedly offering waivers on cancellation and rescheduling fees.
