With uncertainty over the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, aviation regulator DGCA advised airlines on Friday to remain ready to operate additional flights from the Srinagar airport if the need arises, news agency PTI reported quoting a source.
The advisory came hours after the Indian Army, citing intelligence inputs, said Pakistan-based terrorists were planning to target the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
The army's disclosure prompted the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ask the pilgrims and tourists to "curtail" their stay in the Kashmir Valley and leave immediately.
"DGCA has advised airlines to remain ready. If there is a need, airlines should be ready to run extra flights," a source told PTI.
"Around 8:45 pm, the situation at the Srinagar airport was checked by the DGCA and it was found to be normal. It was found that there is no need to run extra flights right now. But if the need arises later on, the airlines have been advised to remain ready to run extra flights," the source added.
On Friday evening, Air India, IndiGo and Vistara announced that given the turmoil, the airlines were temporarily waiving off cancellation and rescheduling charges for flights to and from Jammu and Kashmir.
Vistara tweeted, "Due to prevailing security situation in Kashmir, we are waiving change and cancellation fees for flights to/from Jammu and Kashmir for next seven days (till August 9, 2019). Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes."
Air India said on Twitter in view of the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, it will give a full fee waiver on rescheduling or cancellation for all flights to or from Srinagar till August 15.
(With inputs from PTI)
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