Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 May 2024
Residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are grappling with soaring airfares between Port Blair and the mainland, causing significant distress among the islanders. The exorbitant prices, especially evident in May and early June 2024, have left many locals unable to afford essential travel.
The steep airfares have forced numerous residents to postpone critical trips to the mainland for medical treatment, family visits, education, and other important matters. This annual surge in prices during the summer vacation period has consistently left islanders feeling helpless and frustrated.
Despite repeated pleas from the general public and political leaders to address the issue, no effective solution has been implemented. In the past, the Administration introduced chartered flight services with fixed fares for islanders, providing a much-needed respite. However, the discontinuation of these services has left residents with no alternative but to pay the high prices demanded by commercial airlines.
Political leaders have renewed calls for the Administration to reinstate the chartered flight services between Port Blair and mainland cities. They emphasise the urgent need to alleviate the financial burden on islanders caused by the inflated airfares.
The impact of these high costs extends beyond the residents. The tourism industry, a vital source of employment in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is also suffering. With airfares making the islands less competitive compared to more affordable international destinations, tourism has taken a hit, affecting the local economy.
Despite the recent inauguration of a new, modern terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport, which was expected to increase flight operations, including international routes, no substantial changes have been observed yet. The hoped-for boost in connectivity and reduction in airfares has not materialised.
Islanders and stakeholders in the tourism industry are urging authorities to implement concrete measures to stabilise airfares throughout the year. Such actions are seen as crucial to promoting tourism and providing much-needed relief to the island’s residents.