THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan has demanded the urgent intervention of the state and Central governments to resolve the the woes of air passengers in view of the air fare hike by air carriers, including Air India, during the Onam season.
In a statement issued here, Achuthanandan pointed out that the airlines are exploiting Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) coming to the state during Onam season. Most of them fly home to celebrate Onam with their family. But, they are charged a hefty price for the return tickets. “There are complaints that the air tickets which used to cost only `5,000-6,000 now cost around `50,000.
As a result, many passengers who came home for Onam are facing difficulties,” he said. He pointed out that the air carriers have increased fares at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised all support to NRKs during his recent visit. The state government’s criminal silence in the issue is also condemnable, Achutnanandan added.