Srinagar airport jam-packed as visitors cut short vacations; hospitality sector reels under cancellations
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 23(DD): The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists—has sparked a wave of fear across Kashmir’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Panic-stricken visitors are now rushing to leave the Valley, with Srinagar International Airport witnessing massive crowds and packed flights today.
Tourists, some of whom had only just arrived, are seen queueing up at airline counters, hoping to reschedule their tickets amid a growing sense of unease.
“We were supposed to stay in Gulmarg for four more days, but my parents called in tears. They begged us to come back,” said Hetal and Kamlesh Patel, tourists from Surat. “The beauty of this place has turned tragic overnight.”
The ripple effect is being felt across houseboats, hotels, and resorts. Many owners report back-to-back cancellations, with some saying this could derail what was shaping up to be a booming summer season.
Shabir Ahmad, a hotelier at Dal Lake, said: “After years of building confidence, this one incident has shaken everything. Most of our guests checked out this morning. Some didn’t even wait for their breakfast.”
Srinagar airport authorities confirmed increased air traffic, with additional security deployed to manage crowd flow and ensure safe boarding. Airlines, meanwhile, have reported a spike in rescheduling requests and one-way ticket demand toward Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Tour operators are calling for urgent confidence-building measures. “We need visible security, helplines, and real-time updates to reassure tourists,” said Nasir Lone, a travel agent in Sonamarg.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has promised enhanced safety mechanisms at all tourist hotspots, but until then, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over what was once called “Paradise on Earth.” (DD)