After the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the Indian travel industry has responded quickly to support travellers. With tourists feeling nervous and cancelling their plans, travel companies, hotels, and airlines are coming together to offer full flexibility, easy refunds, and customer support. This fast and unified action is helping to reduce panic and reassure tourists planning to visit the region.
Ixigo has also stepped forward with full support to travellers impacted by the Kashmir crisis. The company is allowing hotel bookings in Srinagar and nearby areas to be cancelled without any questions or extra charges. For flight bookings to and from Kashmir till April 30, they are also working closely with airlines to ensure passengers can cancel or change their tickets freely and without stress.
Govt Asks Travel Companies to Allow Full Refunds
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to allow full refunds for tourists choosing to cancel trips to Kashmir. He emphasized that many travellers are feeling anxious after the tragic incident and should not be burdened with complicated refund procedures or penalty charges. The minister’s appeal is aimed at making sure the industry stays sensitive to tourist concerns.
Online travel platform EaseMyTrip has announced helpful measures for its customers traveling to or from Srinagar. Co-founder Rikant Pittie shared that the platform is allowing free cancellation and changes for bookings made on or before April 22, valid for travel until April 30. He added that the company is in touch with local authorities and airlines to ensure all affected travellers are supported promptly and smoothly.
Airlines Provide Extra Flights and Full Refunds
Several airlines across India are also contributing to relief efforts. Air India has added more flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai while also capping fares to avoid sudden price hikes. It is offering full refunds and free rescheduling to passengers with bookings until April 30. Similarly, IndiGo has waived change and cancellation fees for bookings made on or before April 22 and extended the waiver benefits until May 7. The airline is also enhancing its flight schedule with added connections from major cities until April 25.
SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express are offering similar flexibility. SpiceJet has introduced waiver policies effective through April 30. Akasa Air is allowing free cancellations for travel between April 23 and 29 and is waiving fare differences for rescheduled flights within a seven-day window. Air India Express is also adding extra flights and continuing its refund and rescheduling support through May 7.
Travel planning platform Pickyourtrail has placed its customer support team on full alert, working round-the-clock to assist travellers. Co-founder Hari Ganapathy stated that the company is helping reschedule travel plans and is ready with alternate itineraries as needed. Although no cancellations have been reported on their platform so far, the company remains watchful and prepared.
In the face of a difficult situation, India’s travel industry has shown unity and quick coordination. By removing penalties, adding more travel options, and providing round-the-clock updates, the industry is putting travellers first. These actions are helping to ease the difficulties caused by the Kashmir crisis and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to safety, flexibility, and customer care.
