Andaman & Nicobar Islands MP seeks action on declining air connectivity

Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has called for an urgent high-level meeting with Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu to address declining air connectivity and rising costs.

Reports indicate that weekly flights between the islands and mainland India have dropped by approximately 42–50 percent, falling from around 72 flights per week in August 2025 to roughly 36 flights per week during the same period in 2026. This reduction in capacity has contributed to a sharp increase in airfares, with one-way tickets to major destinations like Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi frequently exceeding ₹28,000.

Ray emphasized that air travel is a vital lifeline for the geographically isolated islands, supporting medical emergencies, education, employment, and the movement of essential supplies. He also noted that high fares and reduced flight availability are negatively impacting the local tourism sector, which includes hotels, tour operators, and various local businesses.