Kol’s outbound flyer count back to near normal after Pahalgam dip
Times of India | 20 May 2025
12 Kolkata: Following a three-week decline in passenger numbers at Kolkata airport after the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident and India's Operation Sindoor response, there are now positive indicators. Daily departing passenger numbers from Kolkata airport, which had decreased to 23,000 from 28,000, are now showing a steady improvement, with Sunday recording over 27,500 departures — a 20% increase over last week.This improvement follows the ceasefire agreement, relaxed airspace restrictions, and reopening of northern Indian airports affected by the border tensions.Airport authorities are optimistic that the difficult period has passed. "We experienced a significant reduction in passenger numbers following the Pahalgam incident and subsequent military action against Pakistani militants. Recent days show positive trends in bookings and attendance, indicating renewed traveller confidence," a Kolkata airport official said. TOI reported on Monday that tour operators who experienced significant cancellations and reduced Kashmir-bound travel, are orchestrating a recovery. The Travel Agents' Association of India (TAAI), alongside 100 Kolkata-based agencies, initiated the "Chalo Kashmir" initiative last week to restore interest in the Valley, promoting it as a secure summer destination."Tourism has been a harbinger of peace. By encouraging people to travel to J&K, we are supporting livelihoods and reinforcing a message of resilience, unity, and hope," TAAI chairman (East) Anjani Dhanuka said.Tourist interest is increasing. With summer holidays on and airspace restrictions lifted, both families and individual travellers are considering vacation plans. Souvik Mukherjee, a technology professional from Behala, departed for Leh on Sunday. "We planned this trip months ago. Yes, there were initial concerns and I almost decided to cancel. But then I discussed it with my group of friends, with whom I will be starting from Delhi, and we decided to hold on to our bookings.Now, we believe the situation is stabilising and the recent developments have given us the confidence to go ahead," said Mukherjee.TOI data had indicated a steady decline in outbound passengers since the Pahalgam incident. On April 21, before the Pahalgam attack, 28,164 passengers flew out. Two days later, departures dipped to around 26,000. By May 10, numbers decreased to 23,009. Post ceasefire, numbers improved steadily. Saturday recorded 26,754 departures and Sunday saw 27,555 domestic passengers leaving.Travel industry reports increased enquiries and reservations. "Just two weeks ago, we had to process multiple cancellations daily. Now, we're seeing a spike in fresh bookings and more tourists flying out. I am certain the number will cross 30,000 per day by next week," said Anil Punjabi, national committee member of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).