The full list of closed airports has been shared with airlines and travel operators. Refunds are being processed automatically or can be requested through official customer service channels. Several airlines in India have issued travel advisories and initiatives to support customers during the restriction period.
Here’s what companies are doing:
Ixigo: Announced full refunds for travellers affected by suspended bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other similarly impacted countries. The refunds will be issued without any deductions, including convenience fees.
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IndiGo: Cancelled flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh until 05:29 AM on May 15.
To offer support to the customers, IndiGo is waiving change and cancellation fees during this period. In fact, passengers are allowed to board flights to and from the nearby airport without additional charges.
Confirming the development on X, the company also hinted at plans to operate “relief flights to support stranded passengers”, updates of which will be shared later.
SpiceJet: Cancelled flights to targeted areas of Leh, Srinagar, Dharamshala, Jammu, Amritsar, and Porbandar till May 15. Customers can seek a full refund or an alternate flight via customer care helpline or website, the company said.
In compliance with guidelines issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the airline also laid down instructions for passengers on Friday to arrive at the airport three hours prior to their scheduled departure for smooth onboarding.
Air India: Passengers travelling from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot, and holding valid tickets during this period, are eligible for a “one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations”, the company said on Friday.
Rising border disputes
The move follows the Pahalgam attack and rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Citing the foreign policy positions of Turkey and Azerbaijan, the companies have decided to suspend all travel bookings to these countries until further notice.
ET reported on Saturday that Aloke Bajpai, managing director and group CEO of Ixigo, confirmed the suspension of all flight and accommodation bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China, followed by Cox & Kings and EaseMyTrip, which issued a travel advisory asking Indian nationals to travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan only if absolutely necessary.
On Saturday night, Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian armed forces are responding appropriately.
