Air India, IndiGo to operate additional flights from Srinagar; offer free cancellation

Tata Group-owned Air India and the country's largest airline IndiGo on Wednesday announced additional flights to and from Srinagar in the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in a picturesque meadow in Kashmir’s resort town of Pahalgam.

On Tuesday afternoon, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam's Baisaran, killing 26 people.

Following the attack, several tourists have rushed to the Srinagar airport to leave the Valley. Aviation regulator DGCA has advised airlines to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and facilitate the evacuation of stranded tourists.

“In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, 23rd April. Details of the two flights are: Srinagar to Delhi – 11:30 AM and Srinagar to Mumbai – 12:00 noon,” Air India said in a post on X.

The Tata group-owned carrier is also offering free cancellations to passengers who have booked their flight to Srinagar for bookings up to April 30, 2025.

“All our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedule. Air India is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till 30th April 2025 on these sectors,” the airline said.

IndiGo, too, is operating two additional flights to Srinagar, one each from Delhi and Mumbai. “In view of the emerging situation in Srinagar, we are committed to assisting customers travelling to/from Srinagar and Jammu with any disruptions to their travel plans,” the airline said in a post on X.

“We have extended waivers for rescheduling or cancellations for travel until April 30, applicable to bookings made on or before April 22,” said IndiGo.

Air India Group's low-cost carrier Air India Express too is also offering free cancellation on flights to and from Srinagar until April 30.

"In view of the prevailing situation in Pahalgam, Air India Express is extending full support to its guests 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. Guests may also opt to cancel their bookings and receive a full refund to their original mode of payment," Air India Express said in a statement.

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

"Air India Express remains committed to the safety and convenience of its guests and will continue to monitor the situation closely," the low-cost carrier said.

In a post on LinkedIn, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said he is working closely with the home minister, airlines and state governments. "More flights are on standby, and we are tracking demand in real time. I’ve issued a strong advisory to all airlines — there must be no surge pricing. This is not the time for profits," he wrote.