Pahalgam Tragedy Sparks Action: Airlines Slash Sky-High Fares Amid Crisis

In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in South Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, the Indian government has stepped in to address an unexpected crisis—exorbitant airfare. Following the attack, highways were blocked, and airports became overcrowded as tourists scrambled to leave the region. This surge in demand caused flight prices from Srinagar to Delhi to skyrocket, with some tickets reaching an astonishing ₹65,000.

Responding to public outrage and concerns over profiteering during a time of crisis, the Civil Aviation Ministry directed airlines to normalize fares and increase flight availability. As a result, ticket prices have dropped significantly to around ₹14,000. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have also introduced additional flights and waived rescheduling and cancellation fees to assist stranded passengers.

This swift intervention highlights the importance of government oversight in preventing exploitation during emergencies. The move has been widely appreciated, offering much-needed relief to those affected by the tragedy. However, the incident also raises questions about the preparedness of private airlines to handle sudden surges in demand during crises.

The Pahalgam attack and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by both authorities and civilians in times of turmoil. While the immediate crisis has been mitigated, the event underscores the need for long-term strategies to ensure fair practices and efficient crisis management in the aviation sector.