The paradox of flying to an international destination like Dubai at a cost lower than traveling domestically from Delhi to Srinagar is an indictment of how regional airfares have spiraled out of control. While Kashmir is celebrated as the crown jewel of India, the exorbitant airfare to Srinagar is alienating tourists and frustrating our residents. This alarming trend undermines not only the idea of affordable domestic travel but also our economic aspirations. The reasons for these inflated airfares are multifaceted. Seasonal demand surges during festivals, holidays, and the Amarnath Yatra exacerbate the price hikes. Coupled with the limited competition on this route and the strategic dependence on air travel due to our challenging geography, airlines have a disproportionate advantage in setting fares. Additionally, the lack of regulation to cap prices during peak periods has allowed this menace to persist unchecked for years. The implications of such pricing are dire. For tourists, Kashmir—a destination heavily reliant on tourism for its economy—becomes less accessible. High airfares dissuade domestic travelers, forcing them to look for international alternatives like Dubai, Thailand, or Malaysia, which are often cheaper. For locals, these fares impose a significant burden, particularly for students, businesspeople, and patients who must travel for education, trade, or medical treatment. A deeper issue is the lack of policy intervention. While airlines justify their pricing on the grounds of demand-supply economics, the government has a responsibility to ensure that regional connectivity is not held hostage to profiteering. Unfortunately, the focus has been more on expanding air networks than on making existing routes affordable. To address this crisis, a multipronged approach is essential. First, the government must implement regulatory mechanisms, such as a price cap during peak seasons, to prevent exploitation. Subsidies or tax incentives for airlines operating in high-demand domestic routes like Delhi-Srinagar could also be explored. Second, infrastructure needs to be expanded. Increasing the number of flights and allowing more players to operate on the Delhi-Srinagar route can introduce competition, which would naturally bring fares down. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aimed at making air travel affordable, should include measures to ensure that essential tourist and regional routes are well-regulated. Finally, transparency in airfare pricing is crucial. Airlines must provide clear justifications for steep fare hikes, with oversight from consumer protection agencies. Kashmir deserves better than being priced out of its own promise. Affordable travel is not just a convenience; it is an enabler of economic growth, social equity, and national integration.