Travel websites, airlines offer free rescheduling & waivers after massive cancellations due to Pahalgam attack

In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, several tourists are cancelling their travel plans to the Kashmir Valley. Responding swiftly to growing concerns, online travel portal EaseMyTrip and budget airline IndiGo have announced full waivers on rescheduling and cancellation fees for affected customers.

EaseMyTrip Founder and Chairman Nishant Pitti took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the update, stating, “To ensure flexibility, we have extended free change and cancellation waivers for all bookings made on or before April 22, applicable for travel up to April 30. In light of the ongoing situation in Srinagar, we are fully committed to supporting our customers.” He added that the platform is coordinating closely with airlines and local authorities to ensure continuous updates and smooth handling of bookings.

The move comes amid a visible surge in cancellations and rescheduling requests as tourists react to the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, that left 27 people dead and more than 20 injured. Tourists, especially those travelling with families, are reportedly reconsidering trips to the Valley over safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory requesting airlines to increase the number of flights to and from Srinagar. The aviation regulator has also urged carriers to waive rescheduling and cancellation fees and provide essential support to travellers during this critical time.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, echoed this sentiment. The airline announced on X that it has extended free rescheduling and cancellation for bookings made until April 22, with travel dates up to April 30. IndiGo also confirmed the operation of two special flights on April 23—one from Delhi and one from Mumbai—to accommodate urgent passenger movement.

As Kashmir reels from the tragedy and the tourism industry faces fresh uncertainty, these initiatives by travel operators and airlines aim to ease logistical burdens and reassure affected travellers. More such measures are expected as the situation evolves.