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More flights, capped fares, food provided at Srinagar airport: Aviation min

Pahalgam terror attack: Aviation Ministry assures tourists of hassle-free flight changes and cancellations. Food and water provided at Srinagar airport New Delhi Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Wednesday announced a series of relief measures, including additional flights, capped fares, and waived cancellation charges for tourists from Srinagar. The announcement comes in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. 'We are constantly making efforts to ensure safe travel for tourists from Srinagar,' the minister said in a post on X. 'Strict instructions have been given to airline companies to avoid fare surges. Fares are being monitored and kept at reasonable levels.' "Between 6 AM and 12 PM today, Srinagar Airport handled 20 Departures with 3337 Pax," he added. 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. In addition to the… — Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) April 23, 2025 Special flights announced from Srinagar The minister also confirmed that in addition to four special flights announced earlier, three more flights to Delhi were added for Wednesday. These include IndiGo flights 6E 3203 and 6E 3103, and a SpiceJet service scheduled to depart at 10:30 PM. All airlines operating out of Srinagar have agreed to waive rescheduling and cancellation charges in light of the situation. ALSO READ | Pahalgam attack: Photo, sketch of terrorists released by security agencies Food, water provided at Srinagar airport On-ground facilities have also been enhanced. Food and water are being provided at Srinagar airport, and an additional tent has been set up to accommodate those waiting for their flights. Between 6 am and 12 pm on Wednesday, the airport handled 20 departures with a total of 3,337 passengers. DGCA asks airlines to add more flights The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also issued directives to airlines to 'take swift action' by adding more flights and maintaining seamless connectivity to major Indian cities. The DGCA stressed the importance of providing 'uninterrupted' travel options for tourists wishing to exit the region. Naidu said he is personally monitoring the situation and remains in constant contact with the Home Ministry and airline operators. 'This is a time for solidarity,' he added. 'We stand with every citizen and will ensure all necessary support.' Pahalgam attack hurts tourist boom in J-K Srinagar has seen a tourism boom in recent years, with the state recording a record-breaking 23.5 million tourist visits in 2024. This includes both pilgrims and leisure travellers, alongside approximately 65,000 foreign tourists. However, Tuesday's attack has already caused widespread cancellations, especially from eastern India, tour operators said. Aviation data from Cirium shows that Indian airlines currently operate 676 weekly flights to and from Srinagar, marking a 17 per cent year-on-year increase. The sudden surge in demand post-attack has now prompted emergency measures to ease passenger movement and maintain public calm.