Sri Vijaya Puram, August 24, 2026: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has stepped up its efforts to address the growing concerns over limited air connectivity and skyrocketing airfares to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which are increasingly affecting tourism demand and the overall tourism industry.
A delegation led by AATO President Mr. M. Vinod, along with General Secretary Mr. Saikat Biswas, Organizing Secretary Mr. Mohammed Rafique, and Joint Secretary Mr. Purushottam, held a series of meetings today with senior officials of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the airport authorities.
The delegation met Mr. Muneer Madampat, Airport Director, Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram, Mr. Rajanish Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, Civil Aviation, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and Mr. Gyanesh Bharti, IAS, Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
During the meetings, AATO highlighted the urgent need to increase the number of flights to the islands, introduce additional capacity on existing routes, and encourage airlines to operate more services during the peak tourism season. The association also raised serious concerns over the steep increase in airfares, which has made travel to the islands increasingly expensive and is adversely affecting tourist arrivals, tour operators, hotels, and other tourism-dependent businesses.
The delegation requested the Administration to actively pursue the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation and airlines, and to explore all possible avenues for bringing additional flights and improving connectivity from major mainland cities.
AATO emphasised that air connectivity is the backbone of tourism in an island destination like Andaman & Nicobar, and that adequate flight capacity and reasonable airfares are essential for sustaining the tourism sector. The association also pointed out that increased flight capacity would not only benefit tourists but also strengthen local employment, hospitality, transport, activities and allied businesses.
AATO expressed its appreciation to the senior officials for giving the delegation an opportunity to present the industry’s concerns and for considering the association’s suggestions. The association hopes that coordinated efforts by the Administration and the airline industry will result in additional flights, improved connectivity and more competitive airfares, particularly ahead of the upcoming tourism season.
AATO remains committed to working closely with the Administration and all stakeholders to strengthen tourism connectivity and make the Andaman & Nicobar Islands more accessible and affordable for visitors.
