Srinagar, Mar 27: The onset of blooming season has undeniably steered a surge in the arrival of tourists in Kashmir valley, however the soaring airfares has raised concern leaving both travelers and locals grappling with the economic impact.

The picturesque landscapes of Kashmir have attracted tourists in large numbers during the winter season this year. With the onset of the peak tourist season, which kick -starts in the month of April and peaks in the summer months, airlines operating in the region are witnessing a sharp rise in demand for tickets. This surge in demand, coupled with limited seat availability, has led to a spike in airfares causing a concern among the tourists and the stakeholders.

Several travel agencies operating from Kashmir revealed that the cost of tickets to Srinagar was sky-touching, surpassing the ticket prices for several gulf countries.

Local travel agencies and tour operators have also noted the trend of escalating airfares during the tourist season.

Irfan Ahmad proprietor 'Travel destination tours' revealed that many visitors were travelling to Srinagar by road because of not being able to afford the hefty amount of airfares.

"This is the onset of peak tourist season in Kashmir. The cost of air travel to Kashmir these days has become quite prohibitive for low budget travelers," Irfan Ahmad said. "We often advise our clients to book their flights well in advance to secure lower fares,” he added.

Tourism stakeholders attribute the increased airfares to the supply-demand dynamics. “As more tourists flock to Kashmir, airlines find themselves in a position to capitalize on the heightened demand. This leads to a scenario where ticket prices soar, especially for last-minute bookings and peak travel dates,” Tahan, a travel agent, revealed.

“Currently, a return air ticket from Delhi to Srinagar costs between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 which is much higher as compared to the destinations such as UAE, Indonesia, costing as low as Rs 18,000,” he said.

Pertinently, the impact of rising airfares is felt not only by tourists but also by locals who rely on the tourism sector. "The rising airfares have a ripple effect on the entire tourism ecosystem," said Mohammad Aaban, owner of a restaurant in Gulmarg. He added, "We have to adjust our rates to accommodate the higher costs, which can deter some potential visitors."

At times travelers opt for flexible travel dates or explore alternative routes to mitigate the impact of high ticket prices. Sharing her experiences, Sunita Patil, a tourist from Kolkata said, "I had to adjust my travel plans and choose mid-week flights to get more reasonable fares, it's a trade-off between convenience and affordability."

The officials at tourism department revealed that on an average 1300 passengers travel to and fro in 74 flights at Srinagar airport daily these days, which is more compared to winter months – January and February.

They said that the local administration and tourism authorities in Kashmir are aware of the challenges posed by escalating airfares and its potential impact on tourist footfall. The efforts are underway to work with airlines and stakeholders to explore options for fare regulation during peak seasons, officials said.

"We understand the importance of accessibility and affordability for tourists visiting Kashmir," Aijaz Ahmad, an official at the tourism department said. Adding, "We are in a process to find a balanced approach that benefits both travellers and the tourism industry."

Despite the challenges posed by rising airfares, the allure of Kashmir's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage remains undiminished. As the tourist season unfolds, stakeholders in the region remain vigilant in addressing concerns related to airfares and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors to Kashmir.