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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Citing 'no travel demand,' airlines ask government to waive user charges at Srinagar airport for a year
Citing 'no travel demand,' airlines ask govt to waive user charges at Srinagar airport for a year NEW DELHI: Citing virtually "no demand for air travel to and from Kashmir," India's biggest airlines have asked government to waive off Rs 1,250 (taxes extra) that are paid by every passenger flying out of Srinagar as airport & security charges for a year to create a fiscal incentive and help revive visitor flow to the valley. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), which represents Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, recently made this request to aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha in a representation. Following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, tourism has all but collapsed in Kashmir. Airfares to the valley and hotel tariffs had skyrocketed post-Covid in Kashmir, but now are at rock bottom as hardly any tourists go there now. Airlines were asked to resume Srinagar flights but are reporting low aircraft occupancies on flights to and from the place. In fact, travel agents from across the country will converge in Kashmir this weekend in a bid to revive tourism. The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), which is one of the country's biggest umbrella organisations for agents with over 1,600 members, is holding its meeting in Srinagar and Pahalgam from June 13-15. The FIA letter titled "support required to boost air travel demand at Srinagar airport" to aviation secretary Sinha says: "After the Pahalgam incident, tourists are terrified and no one is travelling to Kashmir region for tourism purposes. There is no demand for air travel to and from Kashmir. Hotels are empty there." "Apart from safety and security measures, which government of India is taking, financial incentives also play an important role in rebuilding traffic. Currently, every departing passenger (from Srinagar) pays Rs 1,050 as user development fee (UDF) and Rs 200 as aviation security fee (ASF), plus GST.... request government (to) waive both UDF and ASF for every departing passenger from Srinagar airport for one year with immediate effect. It will boost air travel demand to and from Srinagar airport," the FIA letter says. About the upcoming meet in Kashmir this weekend, TAFI VP Anil Kalsi said: 'Our members from all over the country will go to Srinagar and Pahalgam and assess the situation for themselves. Once and if they feel confident about the place and about the safety & security of tourists, they will again start presenting Kashmir as a destination. We will be staying across hotels, including houseboats, and have meetings with government representatives. Airlines will also be a part of this meeting we are having in Kashmir.' Srinagar hotels and flights commanded a big premium before the Pahalgam attack, as Kashmir was seeing unprecedented tourist footfalls post-Covid. But after the April 22 attack, tourists already there left Kashmir in droves and those who had plans to visit cancelled the same. 'What happened in Pahalgam was tragic and shocking beyond words. Authorities there need to regain the confidence and trust of tourists for the latter to return there,' said a Delhi-based travel agent. If the agents' meeting finds the situation safe enough for that to happen, what incentives will the local hotels and airlines offer for tourists to return? 'The near complete collapse of demand has left airfares and hotel tariffs at near bottom levels, so prices are very low. Gulmarg's Khyber, for instance, used to have daily tariffs of about Rs 75,000 which are now down to Rs 21-22,000 and the hotel is offering packages,' said Kalsi. J & K is currently focused on ensuring a safe Amarnath Yatra, as they hope that will send out a message that tourists can return to Kashmir. The yatra duration has been curtailed to 38 days, instead of 52 days in 2024, and will be between July 3 and Aug 9, 2025. A total of 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces, along with personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, will be deployed along the pilgrimage routes to ensure safety of the lakhs of pilgrims.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Reviving tourism: Travel agents from across India to converge in Kashmir this weekend
Reviving tourism: Travel agents from across India to converge in Kashmir this weekend NEW DELHI: Travel agents from across the country will converge in Kashmir this weekend in a bid to revive tourism there following this once-thriving industry's near-total collapse after the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), which is one of the country's biggest umbrella organisations for agents with over 1,600 members, is holding its meeting in Srinagar and Pahalgam from June 13-16 to instill confidence among the fraternity. 'Our members from all over the country will go to Kashmir and assess the situation for themselves. Once and if they feel confident about the place and about the safety & security of tourists, they will again start presenting Kashmir as a destination,' said TAFI VP Anil Kalsi, adding, 'We will be staying across hotels, including houseboats, and have meetings with govt representatives. Airlines will also be a part of this meeting we are having in Kashmir. ' Srinagar hotels and flights commanded a big premium before the Pahalgam attack as Kashmir was seeing unprecedented tourist footfalls post Covid. But after the April 22 attack, tourists already there left Kashmir in droves and those who had plans to visit cancelled the same. 'What happened in Pahalgam was tragic and shocking beyond words. Authorities there need to regain confidence and trust of tourists for the latter to return there,' said a Delhi-based travel agent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo If the agents' meet finds the situation safe enough for that to happen, what incentives will the local hotels and airlines offer for tourists to return? 'The near complete collapse of demand has left airfares and hotel tariffs at near bottom levels, so prices are very low. Gulmarg's Khyber, for instance, used to have daily tariffs of about Rs 75,000 which are now down to Rs 21-22,000 and the hotel is offering packages,' said Kalsi. J & K is currently focussed on ensuring a safe Amarnath Yatra as they hope that will send out a message that tourists can return to Kashmir. The yatra duration has been curtailed to 38 days, instead of 52 days in 2024, and will be on between July 3 and Aug 9, 2025. A total of 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces, along with personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, will be deployed along the pilgrimage routes to ensure safety of the lakhs of pilgrims. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Russia, Germany, S'pore replace Turkiye, Azerbaijan in int'l itinerary
Kolkata: Hostilities between India and Pakistan may have subsided, but outrage over support from Turkiye and Azerbaijan for the 'enemy' has led to the cancellation of bookings to these countries from Kolkata. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Travel agents and tour operators who have decided not to promote these two countries are instead offering alternative destinations at the same price during the Durga Puja holidays in Sept-Oct."Around 2,000 people used to travel to Turkiye from India daily, of which around 10% or around 200 were from Kolkata. That figure has dropped to 40-50 following the India-Pakistan conflict. In case of Azerbaijan, around 450 people used to travel to the country from India daily. Of this, around 45-50 would be from Kolkata. That figure has slumped to five-six," said Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) chairman (East) Anjani May 9, members of TAAI, as well as agents belonging to the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), decided to boycott Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Since then, travel agents said they have hardly any clients wanting to travel to the two to Ease My Trip, there have been 22% cancellations to Turkey and more than 30% cancellations in Azerbaijan over the last six days. A Make My Trip spokesperson said over the past week, bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreased by 60%, while cancellations surged by 250% during the same those who were considering either of the two countries, travel agents are suggesting other holiday destinations within the same budget. Instead of Turkiye, where a 6-7-day holiday would have cost Rs 3-4 lakh for a couple, travel agents are promoting Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, or Germany. And instead of Azerbaijan, where a 4-day holiday for a couple costs Rs 2 lakh, travel agents are offering Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali, or Dubai."Like domestic bookings that have taken a hit following the war, even international bookings have been impacted. Against last year, bookings for the Durga Puja season are down by half. But we are confident that as sentiment improves, bookings will pick up," said TAFI national committee member Anil & Kings director Karan Agarwal said most travellers were willing to pivot rather than pause, choosing alternate destinations over giving up on travel altogether. "While exercising caution, they remain enthusiastic about exploring new places, as long as they feel confident and supported throughout their journey," he said. Aroon Sahani from Tangra has changed his travel plan from Kashmir to Bali and is still sticking to the changed itinerary. He will be leaving the city with a group of 15 this Hostilities between India and Pakistan may have subsided, but outrage over support from Turkiye and Azerbaijan for the 'enemy' has led to the cancellation of bookings to these countries from Kolkata. Travel agents and tour operators who have decided not to promote these two countries are instead offering alternative destinations at the same price during the Durga Puja holidays in Sept-Oct."Around 2,000 people used to travel to Turkiye from India daily, of which around 10% or around 200 were from Kolkata. That figure has dropped to 40-50 following the India-Pakistan conflict. In case of Azerbaijan, around 450 people used to travel to the country from India daily. Of this, around 45-50 would be from Kolkata. That figure has slumped to five-six," said Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) chairman (East) Anjani May 9, members of TAAI, as well as agents belonging to the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), decided to boycott Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Since then, travel agents said they have hardly any clients wanting to travel to the two to Ease My Trip, there have been 22% cancellations to Turkey and more than 30% cancellations in Azerbaijan over the last six days. A Make My Trip spokesperson said over the past week, bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreased by 60%, while cancellations surged by 250% during the same those who were considering either of the two countries, travel agents are suggesting other holiday destinations within the same budget. Instead of Turkiye, where a 6-7-day holiday would have cost Rs 3-4 lakh for a couple, travel agents are promoting Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, or Germany. And instead of Azerbaijan, where a 4-day holiday for a couple costs Rs 2 lakh, travel agents are offering Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Bali, or Dubai."Like domestic bookings that have taken a hit following the war, even international bookings have been impacted. Against last year, bookings for the Durga Puja season are down by half. But we are confident that as sentiment improves, bookings will pick up," said TAFI national committee member Anil & Kings director Karan Agarwal said most travellers were willing to pivot rather than pause, choosing alternate destinations over giving up on travel altogether. "While exercising caution, they remain enthusiastic about exploring new places, as long as they feel confident and supported throughout their journey," he said. Aroon Sahani from Tangra has changed his travel plan from Kashmir to Bali and is still sticking to the changed itinerary. He will be leaving the city with a group of 15 this Saturday.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Visit only if necessary': Gujarat travel agents advise against trips to Turkey, Azerbaijan
AHMEDABAD: Travel agents across Gujarat have begun advising international passengers against planning trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan, as tensions between India and Pakistan flare up in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The diplomatic fallout has spilled into the travel sector, with travel agencies dissuading tourists from visiting the countries unless absolutely essential. Turkey and Azerbaijan, long favoured by Indian tourists for their cultural experiences and picturesque locales—Baku, in particular, emerging as a trendy destination—have now found themselves in the eye of a political storm. Calls for boycotting the two nations have grown louder across social media and public discourse, leading to major online platforms and travel agents pulling the plug on travel promotions for these destinations. Several travel platforms, including EaseMyTrip, have issued cautionary advisories. 'Following the Pahalgam attack and escalating tensions between India & Pakistan, travellers are urged to stay aware. As Turkey & Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary. Stay informed. Travel responsibly,' the company said in a statement. Local travel operators in Gujarat echoed similar sentiments, urging passengers to reconsider or defer plans involving these countries in the current geopolitical climate. by Taboola by Taboola 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 'At a meeting of national TAFI members on Saturday, members across states expressed growing concern about traveller sentiment towards countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan. There is a clear shift — travel industry players are ready to boycott these destinations. Turkey and Baku had become easy-sell locations for Indian tourists due to affordable packages and relaxed visa norms, making them accessible across all budgets. In fact, last year, at least 50-55% of total international travellers went to Turkey and Azerbaijan,' said Ankit Bajaj, a senior TAFI member and a travel expert based in Ahmedabad. Travel industry insiders note that while cancellations and rerouted plans may cause a temporary dip in outbound traffic, safety and national sentiment are currently guiding customer choices. 'One of our groups which was travelling to Turkey cancelled their plans recently largely due to uncertainty and also the country's geopolitical stand. Other clients are pretty much travelling to other destinations but concerns certainly remain. So as an agency, we're doubly ensuring that local transportation, flights and accommodations are well in place,' said Payal Shah, founder of a travel company. 'Gujarat's travel industry has seen a major blow thanks to the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam followed by escalated border tensions. Summer is the peak travel season which accounts for about 60% of our annual revenues at travel companies. However, the safety concerns, followed by airport shutdowns and escalated border tensions, have impacted tourism sentiment in a big way. As a result, last-minute cancellations are aplenty. We will lose out on about 70% of our revenue from the season,' explained an Ahmedabad-based travel expert.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Indian Express
‘Ready for emergencies': Kolkata airport on alert, officials ask passengers to verify flight status after 12 flights get cancelled in 24 hours
After the temporary closure of 18 airports across seven states in India after a recent airstrike on a Pakistan terrorist setup, authorities at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport are urging passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. On Wednesday, 12 flights were cancelled at the Kolkata airport, comprising six departures and six arrivals. Affected flights included IX 1522 from Ghaziabad, BS 0202 from Dhaka, BS 0208 from Chattogram, 6E 0874 from Chandigarh, and IX 2509 from Srinagar, among others. Despite these cancellations, the airport did not report any significant chaos or large crowds. 'Flights have been cancelled. We conducted a mock drill yesterday (Wednesday). We are totally prepared. Our airport security is in place and ready to handle emergency situations,' Kolkata Airport Director Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria told The Indian Express. Meanwhile, the Travel Agents Federation Of India (TAFI) has issued a travel advisory in light of the recent developments. The advisory acknowledges flight schedule disruptions caused by temporary airport closures across the country and advises passengers to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution while planning or undertaking travel. The Federation also expressed solidarity with the armed forces and the government's measures against cross-border terrorism. 'Passengers are strongly recommended to follow government advisories and consult with their tour operators or travel coordinators for any safety-related concerns,' said Anil Punjabi, a National Committee member of TAFI. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
