In recent years, travellers’ main issue has been the exorbitant cost of flights from Delhi to Srinagar. This problem has affected the entire tourism business in addition to causing people financial worries. The causes, effects, and potential remedies for this problem will all be covered in detail in this article. The first thing to comprehend is why recent price increases on flights between Delhi and Srinagar. The demand-supply gap is one of the main causes of this. Even if there are many more visitors visiting Srinagar, there are always the same numbers of flights. As a result, flight costs have increased as airlines attempt to increase profits by taking advantage of the strong demand.
Infrastructure and security issues and the dearth of new airlines joining the market all significantly contribute to the issue’s aggravation. Travellers have been influenced by this rise in flying costs in a number of ways. First of all, it makes going to Srinagar more expensive, and plenty of people might decide to go to other places instead that are less expensive. Second, it has an impact on the number of visitors to Srinagar, which ultimately has an impact on the local tourism sector. A decline in tourists may result in job losses, a slowdown in economic activity, and a decline in commercial revenue for hotels, eateries, and other tourism-related enterprises.
Additionally, this problem has effects on the region’s entire economy. The growth of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir is considerably aided by Srinagar, a well-liked tourist destination. Potential investors may be discouraged by the high cost of airfares, and it may be difficult to draw in overseas businesses and industries. This might also have an effect on how the area develops and keep economic growth from accelerating. The effect of expensive flights on Srinagar residents is another worrying problem. Locals could be forced to pass up business possibilities that require travel outside of Srinagar due to the high cost of airfares during peak seasons. Additionally, this can make it more challenging for people to travel to see friends and family who live in distant cities or countries.
The government can be very helpful in solving this problem. Trying to control the cost of travel during the busiest times is one option. This calls for price regulation mandated by the government, which may not work given shifting market patterns. Building more infrastructure and upgrading Srinagar’s airport amenities are alternative solutions. As a result, there will be more flights available and the cost of flying will be lower overall. The government might also make an effort to lure additional airlines to the area. To solve this problem, there needs to be cooperation between the public and private sectors. Stakeholders in the tourism industry have a significant role to play in this situation. To increase the number of visitors to Srinagar, hotels, tour operators, and other tourism-related businesses can work together to invest in infrastructure and provide alluring packages. Collaborations between the public and private sectors would attract consistent funding, gradually lowering the cost of travel for tourists.
Local communities can help with finding a solution to this issue. This can be accomplished by raising public awareness to encourage travel to Srinagar. Local communities can share images and descriptions of what Srinagar has to offer via social media, enticing tourists to pay a visit. They are maximising the benefits of the government’s investments in the community by doing this. The promotion of alternate forms of transportation is yet another potential remedy for the high cost of flying. For instance, the government might support and invest in road, rail, and maritime connectivity, which could aid in drawing domestic visitors to Srinagar. This would guarantee that passengers arrive after their flights, as well as a more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable journey overall.
In conclusion, the tourism sector, the local economy, and the residents of the region have all been significantly impacted by the high cost of flights from Delhi to Srinagar. But there are possible answers out there. To encourage tourism in Srinagar, strategies include government involvement, commercial sector partnerships, and community involvement. These programmes will promote tourism to Srinagar and enable the provision of more economical modes of transportation. The future of tourism in Srinagar will be more sustainable with creative and effective interventions, and we can only hope that high flying costs will no longer be an issue.
Dr Firdous Ahmad Malik is Assistant Professor of Economics, University of People Pasadena California, United States; email: [email protected]. Aamir Ahmad Teeli is a Doctoral Fellow, Central University of Tamil Nadu, email: [email protected]

Dr Firdous Ahmad Malik and Aamir Ahmad Teeli