Andaman and Nicobar Islands stakeholders seek better flight connectivity and lower airfares

Stakeholders in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are intensifying efforts to address inadequate flight connectivity and excessively high airfares between the islands and mainland India.

The Andaman & Nicobar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ANCCI) has engaged with various government levels, including the Lieutenant Governor, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, and the Union Home Minister, to request increased flight frequency. ANCCI has also met with major airline operators such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Indian Airlines to advocate for higher capacity on mainland–island sectors.

Simultaneously, the Our Rights Organization has called for an independent and transparent inquiry into airfare structures. The organization highlighted that high costs disproportionately affect senior citizens, students, and patients requiring medical treatment. They noted that the current pricing models pose a significant burden on residents and threaten the local tourism economy by making the islands an expensive destination.