DGCA Instructs Airlines to Boost Flights for Tourists Evacuating from Srinagar
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The DGCA has directed airlines like IndiGo and Air India to increase flights for tourists stranded in Srinagar following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This includes waiving cancellation fees and providing additional support during this crisis.
Key Takeaways
- DGCA has urged airlines to boost flights for stranded tourists.
- Cancellation and rescheduling fees should be waived.
- Four special flights have been arranged from Srinagar.
- Air India and IndiGo are operating additional flights for evacuation.
- Helpline numbers are available for passenger assistance.
New Delhi, April 23 (NationPress) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to commercial airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, to ramp up flight operations in response to the increased demand from tourists stranded in Srinagar following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The airlines are encouraged to facilitate the return of these tourists to their respective home destinations across the nation, and to refrain from imposing cancellation or rescheduling fees on the flights.
The notice from the DGCA stated: "In light of the events in Pahalgam, there is a sudden rise in requests from tourists aiming to return home. Consequently, airlines are advised to act promptly to enhance flight availability to meet this demand and ensure seamless connectivity from Srinagar to various locations throughout India, aiding in the evacuation of stranded tourists."
"Additionally, airlines are encouraged to waive cancellation and rescheduling fees and to extend all necessary support to tourists facing unforeseen challenges during this critical period," the notice further indicated.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has mandated four extra flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to assist travelers in distress.
He also emphasized that flight prices should not be allowed to escalate unnecessarily.
In response to the urgent need, four special flights from Srinagar – two to Delhi and two to Mumbai – have been organized, with additional flights on standby for any further evacuation requirements.
The national carrier, Air India, has issued a travel advisory announcing the addition of two flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai.
Addressing the situation, Air India stated on X, "Given the current circumstances, Air India will operate two supplementary flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23."
According to the advisory, the flight to Delhi is set to depart at 11:30 a.m., while the flight to Mumbai is scheduled for noon. Reservations for these flights have already commenced.
The airline also confirmed that all other planned flights to and from Srinagar would proceed as scheduled.
"Air India is also providing complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations for passengers with confirmed bookings until April 30, 2025, on these routes," the advisory further stated.
Moreover, the airline has shared helpline numbers for passenger support.
Meanwhile, the budget airline IndiGo has announced comparable measures. In its advisory, the airline confirmed that it has added two extra flights on Wednesday to assist passengers impacted by the developing situation in Srinagar.
"In light of the current situation in Srinagar, we are dedicated to assisting customers traveling to/from Srinagar and Jammu with any disruptions to their travel arrangements," IndiGo stated in a release.
"We have extended waivers for rescheduling or cancellations for travel until April 30, applicable to bookings made on or before April 22. Additionally, we are operating two flights today, April 23, to and from Srinagar, one each from Delhi and Mumbai," it concluded.
