SRINAGAR, May 22: Airfares to Kashmir have witnessed a steep decline in recent weeks, mirroring a sharp drop in tourist arrivals following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The incident, which resulted in the loss of lives, has led to growing concerns within the Valley’s travel and hospitality sectors about the unpredictable impact of security events on tourism.
Flights that previously cost a small fortune are now available at a fraction of the price. A one-way ticket from Delhi to Srinagar, which just weeks ago could cost over ₹15,000, is now being sold for as little as ₹3,800 to ₹4,500. Similarly, fares from Mumbai to Srinagar—once as high as ₹28,000—have dropped to below ₹5,000.
This sharp fall in airfare has coincided with a wave of booking cancellations and a slump in demand. Spring, typically considered the peak travel season for Kashmir, is now marked by empty hotel rooms and deserted tourist spots. The shift has come as a blow to local businesses who had anticipated a strong tourist turnout.
Many in the tourism industry believe the pricing model used by airlines is adding to the region’s woes. When demand soars, ticket prices surge beyond the reach of many travellers. But when demand drops, so do the prices—highlighting an unstable pricing system that fails to support long-term tourism growth.
Travel professionals argue that this volatility makes Kashmir an unpredictable destination for domestic tourists. The uncertainty around costs, they say, discourages families from planning visits, especially when airfare can swing wildly from one week to the next.
There is a growing call for government intervention, with several stakeholders urging the Civil Aviation Ministry to introduce a region-specific airfare cap, particularly during high-demand seasons or when road access via the Jammu-Srinagar highway is compromised. Many believe that air travel should remain affordable throughout the year—not just when demand collapses.
Beyond tourism, affordable air connectivity is also vital for residents who need to travel for medical treatment, education, or business. The lack of pricing regulation, especially during emergencies or adverse weather conditions, often puts an unfair financial burden on families.
While the aviation ministry maintains that India’s skies operate under a deregulated fare structure, voices from the ground are once again calling for special provisions to protect the interests of remote and tourism-dependent regions like Kashmir.
The consequences of the Pahalgam attack are already visible. Group tours have been scrapped, advance summer bookings have declined sharply, and key tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are seeing fewer footfalls.
Ironically, the drop in airfares—once seen as a welcome development—now serves as a reminder of a deeper problem: the fragile balance between security and economic stability in Kashmir’s tourism sector.
For the Valley to emerge as a reliable destination, industry experts insist that Kashmir needs more than scenic beauty and peace—it needs predictability, protection for travellers, and a fair pricing framework that doesn’t collapse in the face of adversity.