Sri Vijaypuram, Apr. 1: Serious concerns have been raised over the continued issue of high airfares and limited air connectivity affecting residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with a formal representation submitted to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking urgent intervention.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abhay Kumar, President of Living On The Edge (LOTE), highlighted that the exorbitant cost of air travel between Sri Vijaypuram and mainland cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi has become a persistent burden for island residents. He emphasized that due to the geographical isolation of the islands, air travel is not a luxury but an essential service for medical emergencies, education, employment, and other critical needs.
The representation pointed out that the limited number of flights, restricted passenger capacity, and lack of adequate competition among airlines have led to abnormal fare hikes. Additionally, the absence of connecting and international flights operating through Sri Vijaypuram has further restricted accessibility and reduced travel flexibility for both residents and tourists.
While acknowledging the Government of India’s efforts under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to enhance regional connectivity, Mr. Kumar stressed that the unique geographical and strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands requires special policy consideration beyond existing frameworks. He also referred to the role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), stating that there is scope for regulatory intervention to ensure fair pricing in regions with limited connectivity.
In his appeal, Mr. Abhay Kumar has urged the Ministry to introduce a reasonable cap on airfares or regulated fare bands for flights connecting Sri Vijaypuram with mainland cities. He further called for an increase in the number of flights and the participation of more airlines to enhance competition and stabilize fares.
The letter also recommended bringing Andaman routes under special fare regulation or subsidy mechanisms, exploring international and connecting flight routes via Sri Vijaypuram, and implementing emergency fare control measures during peak seasons and natural calamities. Additionally, he sought the reintroduction of charter flight services for islanders and immediate steps to operationalize long-pending inter-island flight connectivity to destinations such as Diglipur, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay.
Mr. Abhay Kumar emphasized that such measures would provide significant relief to island residents, while also boosting tourism, strengthening national integration, and enhancing the strategic importance of the region. He expressed hope for prompt action from the Ministry in the larger public interest.
