Air Travel Hit: Over 20 Flights Cancelled in Jammu Kashmir, Prices Spike | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Air travel across Jammu and Kashmir remained severely disrupted for the second consecutive day on Saturday, as IndiGo continued to cancel and delay multiple flights, triggering a steep rise in ticket prices and widespread passenger distress.

Across Srinagar and Jammu airports, a total of 21 flights were cancelled, including 17 operated by IndiGo and four by SpiceJet and other carriers. Srinagar airport saw 18 cancellations out of 64 scheduled movements, while Jammu reported three IndiGo cancellations. At least 10 additional IndiGo flights faced delays.

Airport authorities said IndiGo had 36 scheduled flights at Srinagar, of which 14 – seven arrivals and seven departures – were cancelled and 10 delayed. Four SpiceJet flights were also cancelled. Officials urged passengers to reconfirm flight status and arrive early amid the continuing uncertainty.

The disruptions follow the cancellation of 41 flights across the Union Territory on Thursday, largely attributed to nationwide crew shortages after new DGCA safety directives forced airlines to revise rosters and schedules.

The cancellations also sent airfares soaring, with last-minute tickets on key routes rising to Rs 7,000–8,000. Travel operators said that even short-haul routes to Delhi and Jammu were selling for Rs 4,000–6,000 due to reduced seat availability.

“The sudden spike in fares has left passengers frustrated, particularly those in need of urgent travel,” said Wahid Ahmed, a Srinagar-based travel agent. The president of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, Rouf Tramboo, said the disruptions were affecting tourism bookings and urged better coordination between airlines and authorities.

Airport officials said operations for the remaining airlines were normal but reiterated advisories for passengers to check updated flight information before travelling. (With inputs from KNO)