New Delhi: With the situation appearing turbulent in Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday advised airlines to be prepared to operate additional flights from Srinagar airport if the need arises, according to a source.
The advisory came hours after the Indian Army, citing intelligence inputs, said Pakistan-based terrorists were planning to target the Amarnath Yatra.
The Army's disclosure prompted the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ask the pilgrims and tourists to "curtail" their stay in the Valley and leave immediately.
"DGCA has advised airlines to remain ready. If there is a need, airlines should be ready to run extra flights," a source privy to the development said.
"Around 8.45pm, the situation at the Srinagar airport was checked by the DGCA and it was found to be normal. It was found that there is no need to run extra flights right now. But if the need arises later on, the airlines have been advised to remain ready to run extra flights," the source added.
Budget carrier IndiGo on Twitter said it would provide a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all flights to/from Srinagar till August 9, in view of the current security situation in Srinagar and the government advisory. With around 49% share in the domestic air-passenger market, IndiGo is the leading airline in the country.
Vistara airlines also decided to waive off charges. "Due to the prevailing security situation in Kashmir, we are waiving change and cancellation fees for flights to/from Jammu and Kashmir for next seven days (till August 9). Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes," it said.
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