Airfare exploitation takes off

Srinagar, Apr 21: Airfares to and from Kashmir have skyrocketed following the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to landslides, leaving residents and businesses in a lurch as they face what many are calling “exploitation” by airlines.

The highway, which serves as the primary surface connection between Kashmir and with rest of the country, has been rendered impassable, forcing travellers to rely on air travel, now available only at exorbitant prices.

A survey of current airfares reveals alarming figures: the short Srinagar-Jammu route, typically an economical journey, now costs between Rs 12,000-15,000 per passenger.

Longer routes have seen even more dramatic increases, with Srinagar-Delhi tickets ranging from Rs 24,000-28,000 and Srinagar-Mumbai fares reaching Rs 26,000-30,000 per passenger in the coming days.

Muhammad Ibrahim, a Srinagar resident, shared his plight saying, “I have to travel to Delhi for medical treatment of my daughter. We were four family members and tickets alone cost Rs 1 lakh. So, I decided not to go and wait.”

The price surge has affected not only locals but also potentially deterred tourists, students, and businesspeople from travelling to the region, dealing a blow to Kashmir's economy.

With many unable to afford these rates, essential travel plans including medical treatments, education, and business commitments are being postponed indefinitely, creating a ripple effect across various sectors.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Javid Ahmad Tenga expressed frustration over the persistent issue.

“Our national highway is closed and airfares have increased exponentially. From parliamentary panels to the Civil Aviation Ministry, we have raised the issue of exorbitant airfares at every power centre in Delhi, but there is no action on it. Though the Parliamentary Standing Committee had issued strictures to these airlines to cap the upper limit of airfares, it is being tossed aside,” Tenga said.

He questioned the airlines’ justification of high prices based on demand and supply principles saying, “The logic of demand and supply lacks sense. We have been asking them to increase flight numbers if they feel the demand is high – it will automatically match the demand and supply. But the people of Kashmir are suffering, our tourism is suffering, and trade and commerce is suffering due to exorbitant airfares.”

The tourism industry, a significant economic driver for the region, is reporting numerous cancellations as visitors reconsider their travel plans due to the inflated costs.

Local businesses dependent on tourist traffic are already feeling the pinch, with many reporting decreased footfall and declining revenues.

Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA) President, Babar Chowdhary emphasised the need for governmental action in the face of these challenges.

“The current airfare situation represents not just a transportation issue but an economic crisis for our region,” he said. “We call upon the government to implement immediate regulatory measures to ensure fair pricing. Kashmir’s connectivity cannot be held hostage to profit margins while an essential transportation link remains closed. Our hospitality sector, which forms the backbone of the local economy, is facing cancellations daily due to these prohibitive costs.”

Adding to the frustration is the fact that the much-awaited railway link, which could provide an alternative transportation option, remains unopened, still awaiting inauguration.

This has left air travel as the only viable option for urgent travel needs, giving airlines considerable leverage in setting prices.

Local travel agents report being inundated with cancellation requests and complaints from customers unable to afford the steep airfares.

Many agents are advising clients to postpone non-essential travel until either the highway reopens or airfares normalise, further impacting the region’s economic activity.

Industry observers note that this pattern of price surges during highway closures has become distressingly predictable, raising questions about the need for long-term regulatory frameworks to prevent such situations in the future.