Pahalgam Terror Attack: DGCA Issues Advisory, Airlines Add Extra Flights from Srinagar Amid Increasing Demand

Security personnel patrol a street the morning after militants indiscriminately opened fire on tourists near Pahalgam in Indian controlled Kashmir, April 23, 2025. (Image: AP)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a crucial advisory on April 23, 2025, following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam. The advisory urged airlines to increase the number of flights from Srinagar to help stranded tourists return home safely. The attack claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and left several others injured. In the aftermath, many travelers have cut their trips short, leading to a surge in demand for outbound flights from the Kashmir Valley.

Tourists contact loved ones after militants opened fire near Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 23, 2025. (Image: AP)

Waiver of Cancellation and Rescheduling Fees
Acknowledging the distress faced by travelers, the DGCA has requested airlines to waive cancellation and rescheduling fees for Srinagar-bound tickets. The advisory called for swift action to increase flight frequency and ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to major Indian cities. Airlines were also urged to provide all necessary assistance to affected tourists.

Airlines Respond to Increased Demand
In compliance with the advisory, Air India and IndiGo have announced additional flights from Srinagar on April 23. IndiGo has also extended its waiver policy, allowing fee-free cancellations and rescheduling for bookings made on or before April 22, 2025, valid until April 30.

IndiGo’s Additional Flights and Waiver Policy
IndiGo has scheduled two special flights from Srinagar on April 23—one to Delhi and another to Mumbai—to accommodate increased demand. The airline is also offering full waivers on rescheduling and cancellation fees for applicable bookings.

#TravelAdvisory:In light of the current situation in #Srinagar, weve extended waivers on rescheduling/cancellation. Were also operating two special flights on April 23. For more information, please visit https://t.co/h9C5tfcUUP or call +91 124 4973838 - +91 124 6173838 pic.twitter.com/SDccuqW1Gl
IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 22, 2025

Air India’s Additional Flights and Refund Policy
Air India operated two additional flights from Srinagar on April 23—one each to Delhi and Mumbai. Additionally, passengers with confirmed bookings on these sectors until April 30, 2025, are eligible for complimentary rescheduling and full refunds.

#TravelAdvisoryIn 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 as under: Srinagar to Delhi 11:30 AM Srinagar to Mumbai 12:00 noon Booking for Air India (@airindia) April 22, 2025

No Surge in Airfares: Civil Aviation Ministry’s Directive
To prevent exploitation amid crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to ensure there is no surge pricing on the Srinagar route during this period of high demand.

Home Minister Amit Shah Visits Site of Attack
As the nation reels from the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Baisaran meadow—the site of the brutal assault that claimed the lives of innocent tourists and sent shockwaves across the country.

(Image: X/@AmitShah)

Tributes and Meeting With Families
Earlier in the day, Shah paid tribute to the victims during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony outside the Police Control Room in Srinagar. He also met with the grieving families of those killed in the attack. Faces etched with sorrow and eyes filled with anguish, they shared their pain with the Home Minister, expressing the unimaginable grief of losing their loved ones in such a senseless act of violence.

(Image: X/@AmitShah)

Security Measures and Search Operations
Security forces have launched intensive search operations to track down the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. With heightened security across the region, visuals show usually bustling tourist areas now deserted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar and met the victims’ families outside the police control room, extending support during this tragic time.