Spike in tour cancellations from M'luru as India-Pak tension rises

Mangaluru: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, many residents of Mangaluru have altered their summer holiday plans, choosing alternative destinations such as Leh-Ladakh, Shimla, and Kullu-Manali. However, there is a cloud of uncertainty hovering over their travel plans given the heightened tension between India and Pakistan, which has already seen some airport closures and flight cancellations.

Travel agencies are currently prioritising the safe return of tourists who have already reached their destinations.

In view of flight cancellations, some north India-bound tourists are travelling to their destinations by road via Delhi airport, travel agencies said.

"After the Pahalgam terror attack, many of our customers had opted for hill stations in Himachal Pradesh such as Shimla and Kullu-Manali and other nearby locations. However, now they have communicated to us that they are cancelling their plans," said William D'Souza, MD, Globe Travels, Mangaluru.

"Meanwhile, we are trying to make flight bookings for those who have already reached their destinations and need to return home. Some are stranded in Delhi, and our agency is trying to arrange their return tickets," D'Souza added.

Subrahmanya HP of Vikram Travels and Resorts India Private Limited said: "A total of 35 passengers with a Leh-Ladakh tour package had landed in Mumbai via Bengaluru, only to learn about flight cancellations for their onward journey. They have now cancelled their trip and are planning to return home."

"There are others who are travelling to these destinations despite the flight restrictions, but majority have cancelled their tour packages with us," Subrahmanya said, adding that one group that was supposed to take a flight from Chandigarh to Bengaluru is now travelling to Delhi by train for their return flight.

Eulalia D'Souza, the proprietor of Lia Travels and Tours, also said there have been many cancellations of tour packages to hill stations in the north, which were chosen as alternatives to Jammu and Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Meanwhile, travel agents have requested the govt to take action against sudden hike in airfares, with airlines allegedly looking at the current crisis as an opportunity to fleece customers.

They have also requested the govt to put out a travel advisory on whether people can travel to certain destinations, in order to avoid further inconvenience.