Pahalgam Attack: Civil Aviation Minister Announces Extra Flights from Srinagar
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Synopsis
In response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has ordered four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to assist stranded travelers. Air India and IndiGo are implementing measures to support affected passengers.
Key Takeaways
- Four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai announced.
- Air India and IndiGo are providing support to affected travelers.
- Complimentary rescheduling and refunds available until April 30, 2025.
- Security measures intensified across Jammu and Kashmir.
- Tragic attack results in 16 fatalities and multiple injuries.
New Delhi, April 23 (NationPress) Following the tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Pahalgam, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has mandated the operation of four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai to assist stranded passengers.
Minister Naidu consulted with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the necessity of these extra flights.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining flight prices to prevent unnecessary hikes.
To provide immediate relief, four special flights from Srinagar have been arranged — two destined for Delhi and two for Mumbai — with additional flights on standby for further evacuations.
National carrier Air India announced a travel advisory detailing the operation of two extra flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai.
In response to the crisis, Air India shared on X, "Due to the current situation, we will operate two extra flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23."
According to the advisory, the flight to Delhi is slated for 11:30 a.m., while the one to Mumbai is scheduled to leave at 12:00 noon. Bookings for these flights are already open.
Additionally, Air India confirmed that all other scheduled flights to and from Srinagar will proceed as planned.
"Air India is also providing complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations for passengers with confirmed bookings until April 30, 2025, for these sectors," the advisory stated.
Moreover, the airline has provided helpline numbers for passenger support.
Budget carrier IndiGo has similarly announced its own measures. In its advisory, the airline declared the addition of two extra flights on Wednesday to assist passengers impacted by the ongoing situation in Srinagar.
"In light of the evolving circumstances in Srinagar, we are dedicated to helping our customers traveling to/from Srinagar and Jammu with any travel disruptions," IndiGo communicated.
"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 added.
The horrific attack occurred on Tuesday in the picturesque Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, where terrorists reportedly emerged from dense forests and opened fire indiscriminately on a group of unsuspecting tourists.
Government officials confirmed that the ambush led to 16 fatalities and numerous injuries, marking it as one of the deadliest terror incidents in the region in recent history.
Initial intelligence reports suggest that the Pakistan-based terrorist group, The Resistance Front, which is associated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind the attack.
In the meantime, security agencies have heightened their operations throughout J&K in response to the attack. A high alert has been issued, and troop deployments have increased in vulnerable areas.
Barbed wire barricades have been set up, and thorough vehicle inspections are being conducted, especially in sensitive locations like Sarjeevan near Uri Nala in Baramulla.
