Growing up in the picturesque islands of Andaman and Nicobar, we Islanders experience both the beauty and remoteness of our home. Our connection to mainland India is not a luxury but a necessity, facilitated by flights, which serve as our lifeline for educational, business, leisure, and especially medical travel. However, the rising airfare costs, often ranging between 10,000 to 20,000 INR, have become a burden too heavy to bear for many of us.

We, the Islanders, rely heavily on the airline services, specifically AirIndia, Indigo, AkasaAir, to stay connected with mainland cities like Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, and Kolkata. Recent changes in services, primarily the reduction in AirIndia, Indigo, Spicejet flights on the SriVijayaPuram-Chennai/Vishakhapatnam/Kolkata routes, have severely limited our travel options. Additionally, the absence of Islander concession fares and special concessions for medical cases exacerbates the challenges faced by the residents, especially during the peak season from October to June.

Air travel is not merely an option; it is a necessity. Many Islanders must travel for crucial medical treatments and educational purposes, where time-sensitive travel is imperative. The financial strain caused by high airfare affects access to these essential services, risking health and educational opportunities. The restoration of AirIndia's presence, and operating at least five daily departures during the October to June season in the sectors viz SriVijayaPuram(IXZ) To Chennai & Kolkata, will alleviate this strain and ensure timely access to the mainland. The monsoon season (July-Sep) can be dealt by not operating on daily basis, rather rotational weekly that will help airlines not to incur any losses.

Moreover, restoring Islander concession fares will provide much-needed relief to local residents, allowing more families to travel without the burden of unsustainable costs. Offering concessions to those pursuing medical treatments will ease the financial struggle during already challenging times.

We urge the concerned authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation and AirIndia, to reconsider the flight schedules and fare structures for Islanders. Our plea reflects a deep-seated need to maintain and enhance our connectivity with mainland India, ensuring the welfare and prosperity of communities throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Sign this petition to demand the restoration of all of the withdrawn Indigo, AirIndia on the SriVijayaPuram-Chennai/Vishakhapatnam routes, to secure the reestablishment of at least five daily flights between SriVijayaPuram and Chennai/Kolkata sectors and One thrice a weekly departure on the  SriVijayaPuram-Vizag-Delhi sector during peak seasons (October-June), and to advocate for the reinstatement of Islander concession fares and special medical concessions. Your support can make a real difference for the Islands' inhabitants.