Pahalgam terror attack: Shutdown to addt'l flights, what tourists need to know

In the wake of a terrorist attack in Kashmirrsquos Pahalgam tourists have been forced to be on guard since April 22 With uncertainty hanging in the air there are a lot of changes since yesterday that they need to know about that not only include a shutdown but also flight departuresThe situated escalated after a tragic incident where at least 26 people mostly tourists were killed and several others were injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirrsquos popular tourist hub Pahalgam and has shaken the valley since then The attack took place at Baisaran a meadow accessible only by foot or horses where a group of tourists had gone visiting the same morningThe incident has not only raised major security concerns but also affected tourism in Pahalgam which is a favourite travel destination among domestic as well as foreign travellers The attack comes at a time when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years PTI reportedAccording to reports the hill station which was teeming with visitors till Tuesday afternoon wore a deserted look soon after the attack with tourists leaving the place fearing for their safetyKashmir shutdownIn condemnation of this inhumane act the Kashmir valley is observing a shutdown on Wednesday with organisations from all walks of life supporting the call for a bandhWhat is shutMost of the shops fuel stations and other business establishments are shut in the city PTI reported Additionally public transport is also sparse while private vehicles are operating normallySecurity forces are maintaining strong vigil in the area especially at famous tourist spots and establishmentsAdditional flightsIn response to the situation Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo announced that they will operate a total of four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on WednesdayIn 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 adding ldquoAll our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedulerdquoOffering additional support for tourists the airline is also offering complementary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30 in the areaTravelAdvisory In view of the prevailing situation Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday 23rd AprilDetails of the two flights are as underSrinagar to Delhi ndash 1130 AMSrinagar to Mumbai ndash 1200 noonBooking forhellipmdash Air India airindia April 22 2025IndiGo has also announced waivers on rescheduling and cancellation in addition to operating two special flights on Wednesday April 23TravelAdvisory In light of the current situation in Srinagar wersquove extended waivers on reschedulingcancellation Wersquore also operating two special flights on April 23 For more information please visit httpstcoh9C5tfcUUP or call 91 124 4973838 91 124 6173838 pictwittercomSDccuqW1Glmdash IndiGo IndiGo6E April 22 2025The Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA has also asked airlines to increase the number of flights from Srinagar to facilitate the return of tourists in the aftermath of the terror attackAbout PahalgamAgainst the backdrop of Lidder river Pahalgam is a beautiful tourist destination in Kashmir Valley known for its snowcapped mountains and lush green meadows Baisaran about six kilometres from Pahalgam where the attack occurred is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains Sometimes referred to as the lsquoMini Switzerland of Indiarsquo it is also a favoured campsite for trekkersAdditionally several pilgrims from across the country travel to the Amarnath cave shrine through the Pahalgam route This year the Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3With inputs from PTIatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params