Agencies
Srinagar, January 05:
Air traffic remained suspended at Srinagar International Airport for the third day on Tuesday due to fresh snowfall and poor visibility.
Meanwhile, people alleged that due to closure of Srinagar-Jammu national highway and cancellation of flight operation at Srinagar airport since Sunday, the air fare has witnessed a major hike.
No flight could land or take off at Srinagar airport on Tuesday so far, officials said.
They said there was fresh snowfall since last night and visibility is also poor. Since snowfall continued and the visibility is very poor, no flight could operate today, they added. It was still snowing heavily in Srinagar.
The snow clearance on the runway has also not been started yet today, they said adding flight operation will be resumed only when the visibility improves and snow on the runway is cleared.
Large number of passengers, who are scheduled to travel to different parts of the country, particularly New Delhi, Amritsar and Jammu, had arrived at the airport this morning. ”We reached airport in the morning”, they said, adding that there is no word from the Airport authorities about the status of their flights.
They alleged that passengers, including women, children and elderlies had to wait outside the airport building as they were not allowed to enter the premises. ”We had to return to our homes in the evening since Sunday after all flights were being cancelled. Tourists also face the similar situation and had to return back to their hotels yesterday and are uncertain today also”.
Passengers alleged that Srinagar-Delhi fare which was just Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 about few days ago now costs over Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. If you search online fare of different airlines between Srinagar to other parts of the country, you will find a huge jump despite repeated assurance by the authorities to keep a strict check on airfare when the highway is closed.
People associated with tourism industry also expressed concern over the steep increase in airfare. We were expecting a good winter season but unjustified increase in airfare will force tourists to travel to other places in the country because of low air fare, they said and demanded immediate intervention by Union Territory (UT) and central governments.
