DGCA Issues Urgent Advisory to Airlines Following Pahalgam Incident: Boost Connectivity, Waive Charges, Assist Stranded Tourists

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh April 23,2025 ||

In the aftermath of a disturbing incident in Pahalgam, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped in with an urgent directive to all domestic airlines, highlighting the critical need to stabilize air connectivity from Srinagar and ensure the welfare of thousands of tourists attempting to leave the region.

Context of the Advisory:

Pahalgam, a renowned tourist hub nestled in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, witnessed an incident that sparked alarm among visitors. While official sources have yet to release a detailed account of the event, preliminary reports suggest it involved a security-related disturbance that quickly escalated into widespread concern. As fear spread across the valley, particularly among visiting tourists, there was an immediate rush to return home.

The incident comes at a time when the Kashmir Valley was seeing a steady rise in tourist arrivals, offering a glimmer of hope to the local economy that has long been affected by seasonal and security disruptions.

Key Components of the DGCA Advisory:

The DGCA, India’s top aviation regulatory authority, has issued a two-pronged advisory:

1. Increase Flight Operations from Srinagar:

Airlines have been instructed to:

• Add additional flight frequencies connecting Srinagar with metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.

• Utilize larger aircraft where feasible to accommodate the surge in demand.

• Coordinate with airport and air traffic authorities to minimize delays and congestion at Srinagar airport.

2. Passenger Support Measures:

Recognizing the distress faced by travelers, particularly families and senior citizens, the DGCA has also advised:

• Full waiver of cancellation and rescheduling charges for tickets booked to or from Srinagar.

• Deployment of on-ground support teams and special counters at the airport to assist passengers with inquiries and rebooking.

• Provision of priority boarding for vulnerable groups, including elderly tourists and children.

Airlines Responding:

Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet are reportedly evaluating capacity enhancement plans. Initial responses indicate that airlines may operate special evacuation flights, similar to contingency measures adopted during natural disasters or regional unrest in the past.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has already announced it is “monitoring the situation” and evaluating options to deploy additional aircraft to Srinagar on short notice.

Tourism Industry Impact:

The incident is a blow to Kashmir’s budding tourism recovery, which had seen record bookings this spring. Local hoteliers and tour operators have reported mass cancellations, and travel agencies are bracing for a temporary halt in inbound tourism.

“It’s heartbreaking. Just when we were seeing a surge in bookings and preparing for a busy season, this incident has shattered confidence,” said Bilal Ahmad, a hotel owner in Pahalgam.

Government and Administrative Response:

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is also in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to monitor evacuation efforts and ensure no traveler is left stranded. The local tourism department has activated emergency helplines and is providing logistical assistance at key tourist zones.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations and volunteer groups have begun offering shelter and food to tourists stuck due to limited transportation options.

Voices from the Ground:

Travelers stranded in Srinagar have reported long queues and lack of clarity on flight availability. “We’ve been trying to get a ticket back to Delhi for two days, but prices have surged and flights are full,” said Meenakshi Verma, a tourist from Noida.

Others have expressed appreciation for the DGCA’s advisory. “Waiving cancellation fees is a welcome move. It’s unfair to penalize people in such unpredictable situations,” said Rahul Kidwai, who was visiting the region with his family.

Looking Ahead:

The situation remains fluid. Authorities are expected to review flight operations daily and may implement further steps depending on how the situation unfolds on the ground in Kashmir. Airlines will also be watched for their responsiveness, not only in scaling operations but in their commitment to customer welfare during emergencies.

The DGCA’s swift response reflects an urgent recognition of how deeply interconnected air connectivity, regional safety, and economic stability are in sensitive areas like Kashmir. As evacuation efforts continue, it will be critical for all stakeholders — airlines, local administration, tourism authorities, and civil society — to collaborate in ensuring that this challenge is met with both efficiency and empathy.