Pahalgam Terror Attack: Indian airlines add extra flights on Srinagar route, offer waivers as tourists rush to exit Kashmir

Indian airlines including Air India and IndiGo on Wednesday will operate a total of four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai. The move comes following a terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 28 people.

"In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23," Air India said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In addition, an IndiGo official told PTI that it will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday.


Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu regarding the tragic incident in Pahalgam, where tourists from Maharashtra lost their lives.

According to Shinde's office, he has requested Naidu to make special arrangements for the immediate transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased from Srinagar to Mumbai.

Also Read: Pahalgam Attack- 28 dead, several injured in targeted firing; survivors recall horrendous act as govt mulls action plan

In response, Naidu has assured that all necessary measures will be taken and special arrangements will be made to facilitate the return of the bodies at the earliest, Shinde's office said.

Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai flight details

Air India will operate a flight from Srinagar to Delhi at 11.30 am and from Srinagar to Mumbai at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

"All our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedule," the airline said.

Air India operates five flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar daily.

"The airline is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30 on these sectors," the airline said.

In a statement, IndiGo said that to support those traveling to/from Srinagar, it is offering waivers for cancellation or rescheduling, besides adding two flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Srinagar over and above the regular schedule.


IndiGo operates 20 flights from Srinagar daily.

Air India Express said that in view of the prevailing situation in Pahalgam, it is extending full support to its passengers flying to and from Srinagar.

"Guests booked to travel on Air India Express flights from or to Srinagar until 30th April 2025 are being offered the flexibility to reschedule their travel with a complete waiver of date change fees and fare difference," the airline said in a post on X.

Also Read: EaseMyTrip announces free rescheduling of flights till April 30 for tourists in wake of Pahalgam attack

According to the airline, passengers may also opt to cancel their bookings and receive a full refund to their original mode of payment.

Akasa Air said passengers who wish to cancel their bookings will be provided with a full refund at no additional charge for all flights departing between April 23 and 29 to/from Srinagar.


"Customers can make their first schedule change at no additional charge, including waiver of penalty or fare difference, for travel within 7 days from their original date," the airline said in a post on X.

Air India Express connects Srinagar directly to five destinations -- Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata -- with around 80 weekly flights.

SpiceJet, too, has extended waivers on cancellation and rescheduling for travel to and from Srinagar until the end of this month.


Online travel company MakeMyTrip has amped up its services in providing assistance to travellers with booking and cancellations.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Pahalgam. As travellers navigate this difficult situation, our teams are working round the clock with airline and hotel partners to provide flexibility and assistance on bookings/cancellations. Our on-ground team is doing everything in their capacity to offer support to travellers," a company Spokesperson has said.

Despite aviation ministry's request, prices remain elevated

In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, a fresh wave of distress has gripped the Kashmir valley—not just from fear, but from the financial strain of trying to return home.

With panic setting in and demand for flights surging, airfares out of Srinagar have skyrocketed, leaving tourists scrambling to find reasonably priced tickets—or any tickets at all.

A quick search on airline websites reveals a grim picture. Most flights are sold out or prohibitively expensive, with messages like “sold out,” “too close to departure,” or “no flights available” greeting desperate travelers.

Even for those planning to leave a day later, the prices are steep. As of now, a one-way **economy class ticket from Srinagar to Delhi for April 24 is listed at around:

• Rs 11,000–13,000 on IndiGo
• Rs 11,000–12,000 on SpiceJet
• A staggering Rs 21,000–23,000 on Air India

Flights to Mumbai are also showing inflated fares, making it difficult for families, especially those with multiple members, to afford an immediate return.

While some airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express have added extra flights and offered flexibility on cancellations and rescheduling, the spike in real-time ticket prices suggests demand has quickly outpaced availability.

The situation has added to the anxiety of stranded tourists already shaken by the attack and now facing logistical and financial challenges just to get back home.

(With inputs from PTI)