Sanjay Balan
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 15: The persistent demand raised by Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray for protection of island residents from recurring exorbitant airfares has now been formally taken up by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The MP had first written to the Union Home Minister and the Civil Aviation Minister on March 30, 2026, highlighting that one-way fares between Sri Vijaya Puram and mainland cities frequently rise to ₹18,000–₹35,000 and, during peak periods and emergencies, even cross ₹40,000–₹50,000.
He pointed out that, unlike passengers on ordinary mainland routes, a large number of islanders travel for unavoidable purposes such as specialised medical treatment, higher education, examinations, employment, court matters, official duties, bereavement and family emergencies. For island residents, therefore, air travel is often not a luxury or matter of convenience but the only practical means of reaching the mainland.
Not satisfied with the general response that airfares are market-driven, the MP escalated the matter to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on April 8, 2026, seeking a special mainland–island connectivity framework for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Among the measures proposed by the MP were recognition of major island-mainland sectors as lifeline routes, creation of a protected pool of seats for bona fide island residents travelling for medical, educational and emergency purposes, temporary intervention when fares cross reasonable limits, additional flights during peak demand, dedicated monitoring of airfares and seat availability, and targeted assistance for essential travel.
The MP also sought examination of Car Nicobar as part of a long-term alternate aviation framework and strengthening of mainland–island shipping services so that excessive dependence on air travel could be reduced.
Responding to the representations, the Secretary, Civil Aviation, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, through a communication dated July 6, 2026, forwarded both letters to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting appropriate action to make air travel affordable for the people of the Islands.
The Administration acknowledged that the Islands cannot be viewed through the same lens as ordinary mainland sectors and recorded that air connectivity is indispensable for residents travelling for medical treatment, education, employment, examinations and other unavoidable necessities.
The development is significant for islanders as it takes the issue beyond individual complaints regarding high ticket prices and places before the Central Government a demand for a permanent and structured policy. If accepted, the proposed framework could provide greater fare protection, improved seat availability and more dependable connectivity for patients, students, employees and families facing emergencies.
The matter is now under consideration of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and island residents will be looking forward to a concrete policy decision rather than temporary relief during periods of extreme airfare escalation.
