Diplomat Digital
Leh, April 20, 2025,DD: The Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department, UT of Ladakh, Sh. Vikram Singh Malik, IAS chaired a VC with all stakeholders to address the ongoing issues faced by tourists due to multiple flight cancellations in Ladakh caused by adverse weather conditions.It was informed during the meeting that total 46 incoming and outbound flights have been cancelled over the past two days, affecting around 6,500 passengers.The Secretary sought updates from the Airport Authority of India (AAI); CISF and various airlines regarding the operation of additional flights in the coming days.Representatives from different airlines assured that plans are in place to accommodate all stranded passengers within the next two days. It was further informed that rescheduling and cancellations have also be done as per the preference of the stranded passengers while senior citizens, patients and foreign tourists are being accommodated on priority. The Secretary directed the Airport Authority of India and the CISF to deploy additional manpower to manage the situation effectively and assist stranded passengers. He also appealed to hoteliers and the taxi unions to ensure proper lodging and transportation for tourists without charging extra fees.The Secretary inquired about the condition of stranded tourists in Nubra from the SDM, Nubra, and instructed him to extend all necessary support to the tourists. He further directed the Director, Tourism to publicize helpline numbers to assist tourists during such situations.Tourism stakeholders were urged to offer full cooperation and support in accommodating and assisting tourists during this period of disruption. The Secretary also appealed the tourism stakeholders and taxi operators to give due consideration for providing refund and future bookings to tourists who were forced to cancel their booking at the last minute due to adverse weather conditions as per cancel/refund policies in place.The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil; Director, Tourism, Ladakh; SSP Traffic Ladakh; SSP, Leh; Assistant Director, Tourism, Leh; SDM Nubra; and representatives of Air Authority of India, CISF, airline operators, hotel, tour, travel and taxi associations.DD
