Massive Exodus from Srinagar After Pahalgam Terror Attack The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives has sent shockwaves through the region, drastically impacting tourism and air travel in Kashmir. The incident, occurring during the peak summer season, triggered a massive outflow of tourists from Srinagar, the primary gateway for travel into the Valley.

According to sources at the Srinagar airport, nearly 11,000 people departed the city on April 23 alone. The airport typically handles 10,000-12,000 passengers during non-peak times and 16,000-18,000 in peak season. In response to the surge in demand, major Indian airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and AI Express deployed seven additional flights on that day to manage the sudden spike in departures.

Widespread Cancellations and Rescheduling Airlines have seen a significant shift in travel behavior following the attack. Reports suggest about 15,000 tickets to Srinagar have been either cancelled or rescheduled since April 22. A senior executive at IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline, confirmed that while many customers chose to delay their travel plans, the majority were not outright cancellations, indicating a degree of resilience among Indian travellers.

The executive added, "Our priority is to assist customers facing disruptions due to the Kashmir situation. We are also working to ensure that future travel plans are supported smoothly."

Current Weekly Passenger Flow to Srinagar Before the attack, 60,000 to 70,000 people flew to Srinagar weekly from different parts of India, showcasing the popularity of Kashmir as a summer destination. However, the current scenario has put a temporary dent in this number, with airlines and tourism authorities expecting a drop for at least the next two weeks.

Tourist Activity Remains High in Gulmarg Despite Security Alert Interestingly, even amid fear and heightened alert across the Valley, Gulmarg—a popular hill station—witnessed record-breaking tourist numbers on the same day. Thousands gathered to experience the famous Gulmarg Gondola ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world, reflecting that while some tourists fled the Valley, others continued their plans undeterred.

Security Measures and Impact on Local Economy The government has since increased security presence across the region, especially at tourist hotspots, transport hubs, and religious sites. Hotels and tour operators, however, are bracing for cancellations and booking drop-offs, potentially affecting local employment and business revenues.

The short-term economic impact could be significant, particularly for small businesses reliant on tourism such as shikara rides, local guides, and handicraft vendors.

Outlook for Tourism Recovery Industry experts believe that the resilience shown by a large segment of tourists, particularly those opting for rescheduling over cancellation, indicates that Kashmir’s tourism sector may rebound quickly, provided the security situation remains stable. Government and private tourism bodies are expected to launch campaigns to restore confidence among potential visitors.

Conclusion The Pahalgam terror attack has posed a severe yet potentially short-term challenge to Kashmir’s flourishing summer tourism season. While flight rescheduling and cancellations spiked immediately after the incident, continued tourist activity in places like Gulmarg signals cautious optimism for recovery. Enhanced security, transparent communication, and proactive airline measures will be crucial in restoring normalcy in the Valley’s travel ecosystem.

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