Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 21: The Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu to convene a high-level stakeholder meeting after a reported sharp reduction in air services to the Islands and a consequent steep rise in airfares.
MP flags substantial drop in flights and very high fares
In a communication to the Civil Aviation Ministry, Shri Ray said scheduled air capacity to the Union Territory has fallen markedly. He cited figures showing about 62 flights per week in July 2025 and nearly 72 flights per week in August 2025, compared with roughly 36 flights per week during the corresponding period in 2026 — a reduction approaching 42–50 per cent.
The MP drew attention to the financial impact on travellers, saying one-way airfares between Sri Vijayapuram and major mainland centres such as Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi were routinely reaching around ₹28,000 or more, depending on availability.
Island lifeline under strain: wider social and economic consequences
Shri Ray described air connectivity to the Islands as an essential lifeline rather than a purely commercial service. He warned that the fall in flight frequency and the surge in fares were producing hardship across several fronts:
- Restricted access for medical referrals and emergency travel;
- Disruption to education, employment-related travel and essential supply chains;
- Severe stress on the tourism sector — hotels, tour operators, transport and allied services — which could reduce arrivals and revenues;
- Financial strain on operators who invested in infrastructure and vehicles through bank loans, now facing declining incomes.
The MP said that diminished flight capacity was discouraging tourists and lowering tourist arrivals, which in turn affected local businesses, employment and investor confidence in the sector.
Data at a glance
| Period | Approx. Weekly Flights |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | 62 |
| August 2025 | ~72 |
| Corresponding period, 2026 | ~36 |
Call for urgent high‑level meeting
Shri Ray has formally requested that the Union Civil Aviation Minister convene a high-level stakeholder meeting to examine the causes of the capacity reduction and to plan remedial steps. He emphasised that for geographically isolated territories such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, restoration of dependable and affordable air connectivity is critical to public welfare and economic stability.
The MP underlined the multifaceted dependence on air services: movement of patients requiring specialised care, time-sensitive cargo, students pursuing education on the mainland, workers, and tourists. He warned that ongoing constraints could have long-term consequences for the Islands' socio-economic fabric.
Sectoral impact and local concerns
Tourism stakeholders and transport providers have already felt the pinch, according to the MP. Decreased arrivals and higher ticket costs were cited as factors making it difficult for small operators to service loans and maintain operations. The reduced frequency of flights also limits options for emergency evacuations and medical referrals, compounding worries for residents and the administration.
The letter did not specify the reasons behind the capacity cuts nor name carriers whose schedules were reduced. It called on the Civil Aviation Ministry to identify the causes and coordinate with carriers and other stakeholders to restore capacity and stabilise fares.
What could follow
If the ministry accepts the MP's request, the meeting would typically involve representatives of scheduled carriers operating to Port Blair, airport authorities, tourism and transport associations, and administration officials. Possible outcomes could range from temporary capacity support or schedule optimisation to policy interventions aimed at preserving lifeline connectivity for the Islands.
For island residents and businesses, timely action will be crucial. Until the Civil Aviation Ministry responds or any remedial measures are announced, travellers are likely to face constrained seat availability and elevated fares on key mainland routes.
