Pahalgam Terror Attack Aftermath: Special Flights Deployed as Tourists Rush to Exit Kashmir

As the nation mourns the tragic death of innocent tourists, coffins carrying the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack were brought to Srinagar airport. Several state government representatives have arrived in Srinagar to facilitate the return of victims and tourists to their respective states. This attack is being regarded as one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. However, the government has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties. Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad has reached Srinagar to coordinate efforts on behalf of the Siddaramaiah government. Ministers and officials from other states are also present on the ground to assist their respective state citizens.

With the movement of tourists increasing outside Srinagar airport, Air India has added two additional flights to Delhi and Mumbai, scheduled to operate today, to ensure the safe return of tourists from the valley. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about arranging more flights and is personally monitoring fare prices to prevent any unjustified surge. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has arranged four additional flights—two each to Delhi and Mumbai—and is in constant touch with airlines to scale up operations as needed. Amid heightened tensions, police have erected concertina wires to bolster security, while choppers have been deployed to survey the airspace and aid in ongoing search operations in Pahalgam. The attack has sent shockwaves across the country, particularly affecting the local community. Many have called for a shutdown in protest.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Horror: Tourists Gunned Down in Baisran Valley, Survivors Recount Chilling Ordeal

Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of the Pahalgam Taxi Association, expressed anguish, saying, “I condemn this attack. It’s not just about tourists, it’s our livelihood, our families. We don’t consider them outsiders—this feels like a personal loss. I urge the government to investigate thoroughly. Pahalgam has always been peaceful, and tourism is its backbone.” In solidarity with the victims, the business community in Poonch district observed a shutdown, locking markets and chanting slogans like “Pakistan Haye Haye! Dehshatgardi Band Karo!” to protest against terrorism.

In Karnataka's Shivamogga, preparations are underway for the funeral of Manjunath, one of the victims of the attack. His family expects the mortal remains to arrive today. His maternal uncle, Madhav Murthy, shared an emotional account: “Manjunath took his family to Jammu and Kashmir as a celebration after his son scored 98% in the second PU exams. They were on a package tour and had just stopped to eat panipuri when terrorists attacked them. The terrorists told his wife and son to ‘go and tell this to Modiji’. It’s heartbreakingno one should lose a loved one in such a manner.”

Security forces have launched massive search+ operations to track down the terrorists involved. The streets of Pahalgam, usually bustling with tourists, now lie deserted. Several organisations have called for a Jammu bandh in response to the attack. Many tourists have decided to cut their trips short and return home early due to the prevailing tension. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon returning from Saudi Arabia, immediately held a high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other top officials to assess the situation and plan further action.