New Delhi: Briefing about the evacuation process in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Modwhan Naidu said that the ministry has issued strict guidelines to all airline operators to not hike airfares. The terrorist attack, which unfolded at 3 PM on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
The directive comes at a time when there are concerns over high airfares that followed the attack. Ticket prices to major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai saw a massive surge, in some cases exceeding Rs 20,000. Online portals of airline operators were showing sold-out statuses or displaying limited availability at high prices.
The minster further said, "In addition to the four extra flights already announced, three more flights to Delhi have been added for today—IndiGo 6E 3203 (Dep: 1700, Arr: 1800), IndiGo 6E 3103 (Dep: 1800, Arr: 1930), and a SpiceJet flight scheduled to depart at 10:30 PM. All airlines operating from Srinagar have waived cancellation and rescheduling charges to support passengers."
Naidu also informed that food and water are being provided at the airport, and an extra tent has been set up outside for those waiting. Between 6 AM and 12 PM today, Srinagar Airport handled 20 Departures with 3337 Passengers.
"I’m personally monitoring the situation and in constant touch with Home Ministry & airline operators. This is a time for solidarity. We stand with every citizen and will ensure all support needed," he added.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister, earlier in the day, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Resistance Front (TRF), shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
