New Delhi: Delhi-NCR residents who are planning to escape the searing heat of the national capital for cooler climes may have to shell out extra to board a flight to Kashmir, often called ‘heaven on Earth’. The onset of summer season has created a rush for air travel.
Those eyeing a trip to Kashmir include tourists as well as residents of Kashmir who are planning to travel back home for the summer vacation.
Delhi to Srinagar non-stop flights of 1:55-hour duration are priced at a starting fare of Rs 10,547 per passenger for Friday, June 14, 2024.
Fares rise further on Saturday, June 15, 2024 to Rs 12,805 per passenger.
On Sunday, June 15, 2024, direct flights from Delhi to Srinagar are priced at Rs 13,016 per passenger.
Will Delhi to Srinagar air fares ease?
Air fares from Delhi to Srinagar are unlikely to ease soon since the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is set to begin from June 29, 204 and continue until August 19, 2024.
How Kashmiris are reacting to surge in air fares
The surge in air fares has left several residents of Kashmir, who are working in other cities, unable to return the home for the vacation or for Eid celebrations.
Shakir, a Delhi-based Kashmiri journalist, said he faced difficulty in travelling home for Eid since flights were unaffordable. Costly flight tickets has become a normal during the festive season since airlines tend to charge a premium, he added.
Salman, a Kashmiri artist, said his Dubai-based friend cancelled his plans of celebrating Eid with his family this year. Salman said this was a trend now that airlines tend to raise fares during the festive season. “It is very pathetic to see airlines overcharging during the festival season,” Salmaan said.
Road travel hurdles
Not only air fares, but road travel has also turned tedious for those planning to travel to Srinagar. Delhi-based Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Ahmad said the Jammu Srinagar highway witnesses massive jams. This turns the Delhi-Srinagar journey into a two-day affair. Travel by road is a big waste of time and money, according to Zahoor. “Time is money,” he adds.
Delhi to Srinagar flight ticket prices are rising owing to the onset of summer season as well as the upcoming demand from travellers planning to take part in the Amarnath Yatra. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
