Skyrocketing airfares make Kmr trips costlier

Srinagar: Visiting Kashmir has become significantly more expensive, with airfare from major Indian cities to Srinagar exceeding the cost of travel to several South Asian countries. This trend has raised alarm among tourism stakeholders in the valley.
According to travel platforms, airfares from Delhi to Srinagar have surged to Rs 15,000–Rs 23,000, a stark rise from the usual Rs 4,000–Rs 5,000. Similarly, tickets from Gujarat and Maharashtra to Srinagar are priced around Rs 18,000, whereas a Delhi-Colombo flight costs Rs 13,000 and a Delhi-Dubai flight costs Rs 24,000.
Manish Chowdhary, a Mumbai-based businessman who visited Kashmir with his family on January 1, expressed dismay at the high costs.
“Each ticket from Mumbai to Srinagar cost us Rs 18,000. Last year, I traveled to Dubai for Rs 22,000. It’s disheartening that visiting our own country is more expensive than going abroad,” he told as per reports.
Tourism, a vital sector for Kashmir’s economy, generates an estimated Rs 8,000 crore annually. While popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Dal Lake are witnessing full hotel bookings, the steep airfares could discourage potential visitors.
Mohammad Shafi, a hotelier in Srinagar confirmed an uptick in tourist arrivals compared to last season. However, he and other stakeholders fear the long-term impact of inflated airfares on the region's tourism industry.
“The exorbitant airfares are affecting the travel plans of families, the elderly, and business professionals,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a travel agent. “We urge the Union Home Ministry, Civil Aviation Ministry, and local administration to intervene, increase flight frequency, and regulate fares.”
Tourism operators have called for immediate government action to ensure that Kashmir remains an accessible destination for domestic travelers, safeguarding the valley’s booming tourism industry.