The Tripura government is urging the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to impose an upper limit on airfares for the Agartala-Kolkata and Agartala-Guwahati routes. This demand comes as aviation companies have failed to reduce ticket prices, despite a substantial tax cut on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) offered by the state.
Transport Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with airlines in a recent letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, highlighting the ongoing trend of exorbitant fare hikes ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations. With the festival just weeks away, fears are mounting that airfares, currently ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 for the 327 km journey between Agartala and Kolkata, will escalate further, imposing an additional financial burden on passengers. He pointed out that despite the Tripura government’s significant reduction of VAT on ATF from 16% to just 1% since November 2021, the airlines have not reciprocated these benefits. Instead of lowering fares for local routes, carriers have expanded services to other cities like Chennai and Bangalore, leaving travellers in Tripura with limited options and high costs.
The minister noted the growing frustration among residents, emphasising that while the government has made efforts to promote the aviation sector, the anticipated improvements in air travel affordability and quality of service remain unrealised. “Airlines are leveraging the tax cuts to boost their profits, rather than benefiting the consumers,” he stated. He’s appeal to the Union Ministry also includes a request for the operation of 17- or 19-seater aircraft from Kailashahar Airport, aiming to enhance connectivity and make air travel more accessible for residents in the region. The proposal comes in light of the recently awarded UDAN routes to Alliance Air and Flybig Airlines, designed to bolster regional connectivity. This situation reflects a broader issue within India’s aviation sector, where the lack of effective regulation often leaves consumers at the mercy of market dynamics. With the festive season approaching, the need for a regulatory framework to cap airfares becomes increasingly urgent, especially for those from Northeastern states who rely heavily on air travel due to limited transportation options.
The call for an upper cap on airfares highlights the challenges faced by Tripura’s residents, who are striving for fair access to air travel. As the government pushes for immediate intervention, it hopes to foster a more sustainable and equitable aviation environment that prioritises the needs of the travelling public.
