Aviation Ministry asks airlines to fly Leh to bring the stranded back

New Delhi: The civil aviation ministry has asked national carrier Air India and private airlines Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines to operate three flights each to Leh on Sunday to bring back stranded persons. However, all the airlines have been asked not to charge excessive fares from stranded passengers who are being brought back.
A large number of persons stranded at Leh and adjoining areas are reportedly foreign tourists. Air India operated two flights on Saturday itself from Leh to Delhi (222 passengers) and one flight from Leh to Jammu (103 passengers). Air India is levying “special” (lower) fares for passengers.
While the Army is spearheading the relief efforts, even civilians are joining in. Sources said even civilian doctors and surgeons — who were in Leh on holiday — are treating about 300 injured persons along with Army doctors.
On Saturday, Union home secretary Gopal K. Pillai said the Jammu and Kashmir government had requested the Centre to operate additional civilian flights to Leh so that the stranded tourists and others can leave the town either for Srinagar or for New Delhi. The Cabinet secretary also convened a high-level meeting on Saturday to take stock of the situation.
08/08/10 Asian Age

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