- Ministry of Civil Aviation Steps Up Relief Operations Amid Kashmir Crisis
- No Surge Pricing, Only Support: Special Flights to Help Kashmir Tourists
- From Srinagar to Safety: Centre Mobilizes Evacuation Flights Following Attack
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 23 April 2025. In a swift and compassionate response to the tragic terror attack in Kashmir, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu has initiated urgent measures to support affected tourists and victims. With safety, dignity, and empathy at the forefront, the Ministry has activated immediate relief efforts, ensuring timely evacuation and fair travel conditions.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has arranged four special flights from Srinagar—two each to Delhi and Mumbai—to facilitate the safe movement of stranded tourists. Additional flights are on standby to accommodate further evacuation needs, should the situation evolve. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has been in constant coordination with the Home Ministry and is monitoring the situation round the clock.
In the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Civil Aviation played a crucial frontline role in ensuring the swift evacuation of tourists and civilians. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the ministry, under the leadership of Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, promptly arranged four special flights from Srinagar—two each to Delhi and Mumbai. These emergency flights were deployed to provide safe and secure passage for those looking to return home, with more kept on standby in case the demand increased. This proactive response demonstrated the ministry’s preparedness to act swiftly in times of national emergencies.
In a firm step to prevent exploitation during the crisis, the Minister held an emergency meeting with airline operators and directed them to strictly avoid surge pricing. All airlines have been instructed to maintain standard fare structures, ensuring no financial burden falls on passengers during this sensitive time.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also worked in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and local authorities to ensure a seamless evacuation and logistical operation. Minister Naidu personally remained in touch with senior government officials, ensuring that civil aviation resources were aligned with the broader national response. This inter-ministerial cooperation not only enhanced the speed of relief measures but also helped avoid confusion and congestion at key points like Srinagar Airport, ensuring smooth boarding and transit for evacuees.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has consistently played a pivotal role in responding to terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians and tourists. Here are notable instances where the MoCA’s interventions were instrumental:
On April 23, 2025, a devastating militant attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of at least 26 tourists and injuries to many others. In immediate response, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu coordinated with airlines to arrange four special evacuation flights from Srinagar—two each to Delhi and Mumbai. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo also offered waivers on cancellations and rescheduling to assist stranded passengers. Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) urged airlines to increase flight frequencies to Srinagar and waive cancellation fees, facilitating the evacuation process.
It is not for the first time, MoCA has always met the challenge of such attacks in the past too. Following the Pulwama attack in February 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, the MoCA took measures to ensure the smooth transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased to their respective hometowns. Special arrangements were made in coordination with airlines and local authorities to facilitate this process. Additionally, the ministry monitored airfares to prevent any undue surge in prices for travelers during this sensitive period.
In the aftermath of the Uri attack in September 2016, where 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives, the MoCA coordinated with airlines to manage increased travel demand from the region. While specific evacuation flights were not reported, the ministry ensured that regular flight operations continued smoothly, providing necessary support to passengers and maintaining stability in air travel services.
These instances reconfirm the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to swift and compassionate responses during times of crisis, ensuring the safety and support of affected individuals through effective coordination and resource mobilization.
Further, the Minister has asked airlines to fully cooperate with state governments and local authorities to ensure the dignified and timely transportation of deceased individuals to their home states, highlighting a holistic and humane approach to crisis management. As the Kashmir tragedy unfolds, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, under the leadership of Ram Mohan Naidu, has exemplified swift governance and empathetic action. With special flights operational, pricing regulation enforced, and cooperation extended for repatriation, the government’s proactive stance offers relief and reassurance in a moment of national sorrow.
Beyond immediate evacuations, the ministry extended its support for the respectful and timely transportation of deceased individuals to their home states. Airlines were directed to work hand-in-hand with state governments to provide logistical assistance in this somber task. This gesture underscored the ministry’s role in addressing the emotional and human dimensions of national tragedies. Looking ahead, such incidents reinforce the importance of having a robust crisis management framework within the civil aviation sector—something the ministry continues to strengthen through policies, infrastructure development, and emergency readiness drills.
