NEW DELHI: The aviation ministry has "advised" airlines to ensure that airfares to and from Bhubaneswar in particular, and other airports in Odisha is general, do not see a surge in the wake of rise in travel demand following the deadly train accident in the state on Friday night.

It has also directed that any cancellation and rescheduling on flights due to the incident be done without penal charges.

Airfares, both domestic and international, have been at all-time highs in recent months."The aviation ministry has sent an advisory to airlines to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Bhubaneswar.

In view of the unfortunate accident in Odisha, airlines have been advised to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports of the state and take necessary action regarding the same.

Further, any cancellation and rescheduling on flights due to the incident may be done without penal charges," a senior ministry official said.