End the Exploitation: Demand Fair Airfares & Better Connectivity for Andaman & Nicobar.
End the Exploitation: Demand Fair Airfares & Better Connectivity for Andaman & Nicobar.
The Issue
To: The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India; The Chairman of Air India; The CEO of IndiGo; and the CEO of Akasa Air.
The Issue
For the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, air travel is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Whether it is for life-saving medical treatment, higher education, or essential business, we depend on the skies to connect us to mainland India.
However, as we look toward the March to June 2026 season, the Islanders are being pushed to a breaking point. While a flight from Chennai to Delhi or Kolkata to Chennai (similar flight durations) remains competitively priced at 4700 to 5500 per passenger, the airfares on the Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) to Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag sectors have skyrocketed to ₹13,000+–₹20,000 range.
This is more than a price hike; it is a direct blow to the welfare of the Islanders.
Why This Matters?
The recent reduction in flight frequencies by major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet has created an artificial scarcity. With fewer options, residents are forced to pay exorbitant prices or miss critical opportunities.
Medical Emergencies: Many Islanders must travel to the mainland for specialized healthcare. High fares act as a barrier to basic rights to health.
Education & Livelihood: Students and professionals are being financially drained just to reach their places of study or work.
Lack of Concessions: The withdrawal of Islander Concession Fares and the absence of special rates for medical cases have left us with no safety net against predatory pricing.
Our Demands
We, the residents and supporters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, urge the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the leadership of Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air to:
Cap Fares on Island Sectors: Regulate the "predatory pricing" on the IXZ-MAA/CCU/VTZ sectors to ensure they are at par with mainland routes of similar flight hours.
Increase Flight Frequency: Restore withdrawn services and ensure at least five daily departures on the Sri Vijaya Puram–Chennai and Sri Vijaya Puram–Kolkata routes during the peak season (October–June).
New Routes: Introduce a thrice-weekly departure on the Sri Vijaya Puram–Vizag–Delhi sector to improve connectivity to Northern India.
Reinstate Islander Concessions: Bring back the Islander Concession Fare and introduce special concessions for verified medical patients.
Seasonal Optimization: Implement a rotational weekly schedule during the monsoon season (July–Sept) to balance airline profitability with the Islands’ need for connectivity.
The Call to Action
Our connectivity to our own country should not be determined by how much we can be exploited. We deserve fair prices, reliable schedules, and the dignity of being connected to the mainland without facing financial ruin.
Sign this petition to demand that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the airlines act now. Let’s ensure the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are never left stranded.
#FairFaresForAndaman #SaveIslandLifeline #SriVijayaPuramConnectivity #CivilAviationIndia
34
The Issue
To: The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India; The Chairman of Air India; The CEO of IndiGo; and the CEO of Akasa Air.
The Issue
For the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, air travel is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Whether it is for life-saving medical treatment, higher education, or essential business, we depend on the skies to connect us to mainland India.
However, as we look toward the March to June 2026 season, the Islanders are being pushed to a breaking point. While a flight from Chennai to Delhi or Kolkata to Chennai (similar flight durations) remains competitively priced at 4700 to 5500 per passenger, the airfares on the Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) to Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag sectors have skyrocketed to ₹13,000+–₹20,000 range.
This is more than a price hike; it is a direct blow to the welfare of the Islanders.
Why This Matters?
The recent reduction in flight frequencies by major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet has created an artificial scarcity. With fewer options, residents are forced to pay exorbitant prices or miss critical opportunities.
Medical Emergencies: Many Islanders must travel to the mainland for specialized healthcare. High fares act as a barrier to basic rights to health.
Education & Livelihood: Students and professionals are being financially drained just to reach their places of study or work.
Lack of Concessions: The withdrawal of Islander Concession Fares and the absence of special rates for medical cases have left us with no safety net against predatory pricing.
Our Demands
We, the residents and supporters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, urge the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the leadership of Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air to:
Cap Fares on Island Sectors: Regulate the "predatory pricing" on the IXZ-MAA/CCU/VTZ sectors to ensure they are at par with mainland routes of similar flight hours.
Increase Flight Frequency: Restore withdrawn services and ensure at least five daily departures on the Sri Vijaya Puram–Chennai and Sri Vijaya Puram–Kolkata routes during the peak season (October–June).
New Routes: Introduce a thrice-weekly departure on the Sri Vijaya Puram–Vizag–Delhi sector to improve connectivity to Northern India.
Reinstate Islander Concessions: Bring back the Islander Concession Fare and introduce special concessions for verified medical patients.
Seasonal Optimization: Implement a rotational weekly schedule during the monsoon season (July–Sept) to balance airline profitability with the Islands’ need for connectivity.
The Call to Action
Our connectivity to our own country should not be determined by how much we can be exploited. We deserve fair prices, reliable schedules, and the dignity of being connected to the mainland without facing financial ruin.
Sign this petition to demand that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the airlines act now. Let’s ensure the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are never left stranded.
#FairFaresForAndaman #SaveIslandLifeline #SriVijayaPuramConnectivity #CivilAviationIndia
34
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Petition created on 24 February 2026