Srinagar, Sep 29: Air connectivity to Kashmir has taken a severe hit in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, with airlines slashing operations on the Srinagar route amid plummeting demand.

Figures accessed by Greater Kashmir reveal that flight movements and passenger arrivals at Srinagar International Airport, Kashmir’s lone civilian airport, have halved in just five months, underlining the depth of the crisis facing Kashmir’s fragile tourism economy.

On April 22, 2025, just before the terror strike unsettled Kashmir’s tourism flow, the airport handled 102 flights carrying 19,140 passengers.

The day’s operations included 51 arrivals with 9235 passengers and 51 departures with 9905 passengers.

In stark contrast, by September 28, 2025, flight traffic had collapsed to 50 flights – a 51 percent decline – with passenger numbers falling to 8822, reflecting a 54 percent dip.

The breakdown shows 4265 arrivals on 25 flights and 4557 departures on 25 flights, making September traffic less than half of April’s peak.

Civil aviation executives admit that carriers had no choice but to reduce their schedules.

“A 50 percent reduction in flights within a short span mirrors the demand crash. Airlines cannot operate at losses; low load factors have forced consolidation on Srinagar routes,” a senior aviation executive told Greater Kashmir. The reduced connectivity is already rippling across sectors dependent on tourism.

Hoteliers and travel agents say post-attack, they recorded massive cancellations, and the outlook for the winter months is also gloomy.

The decline is not only stunting tourist inflows but also hitting ancillary industries – from handicrafts to road transport – that rely heavily on passenger traffic.

Aviation experts warn that the autumn season, usually considered a second peak for Kashmir tourism, may see muted arrivals unless confidence is urgently restored.

Government efforts to reassure travellers and promote Kashmir as a safe destination have so far failed to translate into higher inflows. As one senior tourism official said, “Numbers don’t lie. The half-empty lounges and reduced schedules are proof that we are in damage-control mode. It will take time, and trust, to undo this slump.”

Shopian, Sep 29: Four persons were injured, two of them critically, after a head-on collision between a pickup truck vehicle and a car in south Kashmir’s Shopian district late Monday evening.

The accident occurred at around 9:30 pm near the Arhoma shrine on the DC Office road, officials said.

The impact of the collision left both vehicles badly mangled, with locals describing the scene as “horrific.” Immediately after the crash, Police teams rushed to the spot and joined locals in evacuating the injured.

The victims were first taken to District Hospital Shopian, where doctors provided emergency treatment before referring all four to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar for advanced care.

Hospital authorities said that two of the injured were in critical condition, while the other two had sustained multiple injuries but were stable.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the accident.

Preliminary reports suggest that overspeeding was the main cause of the collision.

“Eyewitness accounts indicate that one of the vehicles was moving at excessive speed, leading to the head-on impact. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage,” a Police officer said.

Locals, who assisted in the rescue operation, said the prompt response of passersby and authorities helped in shifting the injured quickly, potentially saving lives.

“We rushed out after hearing a loud crash. The sight was terrible, but everyone worked together to get the injured out of the wreckage,” said a resident living close to the accident site. KNT

Srinagar, Sep 29: Two women were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during a scuffle at their residence in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said on Monday evening.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the duo was injured during a scuffle with another woman at their home.

He said both were brought to SMHS Hospital Srinagar after being referred from District Hospital Budgam, while their condition is not known yet.

He identified the injured as Jamela Banoo, wife of Mohammad Rafiq Khan (45) and Ruqsana Akhter (40), daughter of Mohammad Akbar Khan—both residents of Ganie Mohalla Budgam.

Meanwhile, investigations have been taken up.

Gulmarg, Sep 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has announced the resumption of routine commercial operations of Phase-I of the Gulmarg Gondola, following the successful completion of extensive trials related to cable strength, cabin functionality, and load-bearing capacity.

The Corporation confirmed that the trials concluded smoothly, clearing the way for enhanced operations. “We are pleased to inform regarding the successful culmination of trials related to cable, cabin, and load-bearing tests. Accordingly, routine commercial operations of Phase-I shall be commencing from tomorrow with enhanced carrying capacity,” the statement read.

The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest and longest cable car projects in Asia, is a prime attraction for tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Phase-I of the Gondola takes passengers from Gulmarg to Kongdori, offering panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range.

Officials said the successful safety trials would not only improve passenger confidence but also significantly increase the carrying strength of cabins, reducing wait times for tourists during peak seasons.

“Enhanced carrying capacity is expected to ease congestion during weekends and holiday rush, allowing more visitors to enjoy the ride without long delays,” a JKCCC official remarked.

The announcement comes as Gulmarg continues to see a steady inflow of domestic and international tourists. Adventure seekers, skiers, and holidaymakers alike consider the Gondola a highlight of their visit, and the renewed operations are likely to add momentum to the upcoming autumn and winter tourist season.

Locals and tourism stakeholders welcomed the development, saying it would provide a boost to the hospitality sector. “Gulmarg’s Gondola is central to Kashmir’s tourism appeal. The decision to resume operations after proper safety checks will reassure visitors and support businesses that depend on tourist flow,” said a hotelier in Tangmarg.

The Gulmarg Gondola operates in two phases: Phase-I connects Gulmarg with Kongdori at an altitude of 3,050 metres, while Phase-II extends from Kongdori to Apharwat, reaching nearly 4,000 metres. Together, they make it one of the most sought-after cable car experiences in the world.

Tourism officials expect a surge in footfall in the coming weeks as the autumn landscape in Gulmarg draws visitors. “The timing of resumption is ideal. The Gondola adds to Gulmarg’s allure at a time when nature is at its most beautiful,” an official from the Tourism Department said.

With the technical tests now concluded and operations resuming, stakeholders believe that the Gondola will continue to serve as the crown jewel of Kashmir’s tourism industry. [KNT]