Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 21: Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has urged Union Minister for Civil Aviation Mr. K. Rammohan Naidu to convene an urgent high-level stakeholder meeting to address the serious decline in air connectivity and the sharp increase in airfares between the Islands and mainland India.
Mr. Ray said that air connectivity to the Islands has deteriorated considerably. While around 62 flights per week were operating during July 2025 and nearly 72 flights per week during August 2025, the number has reportedly come down to around 36 flights per week during the corresponding period of 2026, representing a reduction of nearly 42–50 per cent. The reduced capacity has led to a steep rise in fares, with one-way tickets between Sri Vijayapuram and major mainland destinations such as Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi frequently reaching ₹28,000 or more, depending on availability.
The MP pointed out that for the geographically isolated Andaman & Nicobar Islands, air connectivity is an essential lifeline rather than merely a commercial or tourism service. Islanders depend on air services for medical treatment and emergencies, education, employment, business, tourism, essential supplies and the movement of passengers and time-sensitive cargo. The present situation is therefore causing widespread hardship and has implications for the overall economic and social development of the Islands.
Mr. Ray said that the sharp reduction in flights and high airfares have particularly affected the tourism sector, which supports a large network of hotels, tour operators, transport providers, ferry operators, water-sports and adventure activity operators, guides, shops and other local businesses. He expressed concern that reduced flight capacity is leading to higher fares, which discourage tourists and reduce tourist arrivals, adversely affecting businesses, employment and investments made in the sector. Many tourism and transport operators who have invested in infrastructure and vehicles through bank loans are reportedly finding it difficult to meet their financial commitments due to declining revenues.
The MP also highlighted the impact on fisheries and air cargo. Essential and time-sensitive consignments, including medicines and other goods, depend on reliable air connectivity. The fisheries sector is particularly vulnerable because fish is highly perishable. Around 10–25 tonnes of export-quality fish are transported from the Islands to mainland markets such as Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi for onward movement to larger and international markets. Reduced air-cargo capacity can result in delays, lower market realisation, wastage and financial losses to fishermen and exporters.
Mr. Ray further drew attention to the difficulties faced by islanders requiring specialised medical treatment on the mainland. In emergency cases, air evacuation can involve extremely high expenditure, reportedly reaching ₹45–50 lakh in certain cases. He stressed that dependable and affordable air connectivity is therefore a matter of public necessity and directly connected with the safety and well-being of the people of the Islands.
The MP stated that he has raised the issue with the Ministry on several occasions and also discussed it with the Civil Aviation Minister in Parliament recently. He had submitted detailed letters on 30 March 2026 and 8 April 2026, proposing a special mainland–island connectivity framework to address recurring exorbitant airfares on mainland sectors. The UT Administration subsequently also took up the matter with the Ministry vide letter No. 14/CA/2013/-141/151 dated 5 July 2026.
In view of the continuing situation, Mr. Ray has requested the Civil Aviation Minister to convene an urgent high-level meeting under his chairmanship involving the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Home Affairs and Defence authorities, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, major airlines operating to and from the Islands, the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, tourism and business representatives and other concerned stakeholders.
Mr. Ray said that the proposed meeting would enable all stakeholders to place the actual ground situation and practical difficulties before the Ministry and work towards a concrete, sustainable and time-bound solution for restoring adequate air connectivity and making airfares reasonable and affordable. He urged the Union Government to accord the matter top priority in the larger public interest, considering the geographical isolation and strategic importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
