Intervene on Airfares

Kashmir has long been a cherished destination for tourists seeking breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and a peaceful respite. However, one of the significant challenges facing the tourism industry is the issue of high airfares. High airfares directly affect the affordability of traveling to Kashmir. The increased cost of air tickets becomes a significant component of a tourist’s overall budget, making it harder for travelers to plan their trips. For many budget-conscious tourists, the soaring airfares push Kashmir beyond their financial reach, forcing them to seek alternative destinations. The additional expenses of air travel limit tourists’ ability to explore the local attractions, indulge in cultural experiences, and contribute to the local economy through accommodation, dining, and shopping. The inflated airfares act as a deterrent, resulting in reduced tourist footfall in Kashmir. Potential visitors who are considering a trip to Kashmir are discouraged by the high prices, opting for more affordable destinations instead. This decline in tourist numbers not only impacts the revenue generated by the tourism industry but also affects the livelihoods of locals who depend on tourism for income. The reduced influx of tourists negatively impacts the region’s overall development and progress. High airfares also create a negative perception of Kashmir as an expensive destination. Potential tourists who research airfares before planning their trips may perceive Kashmir as a costly place to visit, regardless of the actual affordability of accommodation, food, and local transportation. This distorted image can deter even those who can afford the overall trip cost, impacting the region’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination. Such a negative perception can take a long time to reverse, further hampering tourist flow and growth in Kashmir. To address the adverse impact of high airfares on tourist flow to Kashmir, government intervention becomes crucial. The government should work in collaboration with airlines and tourism stakeholders to devise strategies that promote affordable air travel to the region. This could involve the negotiation of subsidies, incentives, or special packages for airlines operating in Kashmir, as well as implementing policies that attract low-cost carriers to increase competition and reduce airfares. LG Sinha can take up the matter with the Union Home, Civil Aviation, and Tourism Ministries to think of innovative solutions for this problem considering airfares are now a supply-demand business. During Covid, the government had successfully managed to cap the airfares to Kashmir. While it may not be possible to cap it at an exact amount, some middle way can be found out. Earlier Civil Aviation Ministry was deploying additional Air India flights to meet the rush and cool airfares While the airline is a TATA company now, surely this is one help Air India management can step up to. LG Sinha’s intervention is crucial to address this issue, focusing on fostering collaboration with airlines, attracting low-cost carriers, and investing in infrastructure development. Not just tourists but every citizen alike is being hit by the skyrocketing fares.