Srinagar, Dec 8: Air travel in the Valley was thrown into disarray on Monday as all eight scheduled IndiGo flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The cancellations marked yet another day of disruption, compounding the difficulties faced by travelers in recent weeks.
Airport officials confirmed that the cancellations were linked to operational issues within the airline, though no detailed explanation was provided. The sudden suspension of services sparked frustration among passengers, many of whom had booked tickets well in advance and were caught off guard by the announcement.
Eyewitnesses at the airport reported long queues at ticket counters and customer service desks, with travelers demanding clarity and alternative arrangements. Several passengers expressed anger over the lack of timely communication, saying they were informed only after arriving at the terminal.
Authorities said efforts were being made to assist stranded passengers, including rerouting them through other airlines and providing refunds where possible. However, the scale of cancellations meant that many travelers were left with limited options, particularly those with urgent commitments outside the Valley.
The incident has reignited debate over the reliability of air services in Kashmir, with civil society groups urging the government to intervene and enforce stricter accountability measures. Travel associations also called for better coordination between airlines and regulatory authorities to prevent recurrence of such large‑scale disruptions.
IndiGo has yet to issue a detailed statement on the cancellations, but officials indicated that corrective measures are being reviewed. Passengers, meanwhile, have appealed for greater transparency and consistency in flight operations to avoid further inconvenience during the busy winter travel season.
