Outrage Over Inhumane Airfare Hike for Gulf-Kerala Flights During Festive Seasons

The Malayali diaspora in Gulf countries, numbering in the lakhs, is facing severe financial strain due to exorbitant airfare hikes during festive seasons, especially Christmas and Onam. These hardworking individuals, who migrated to the Gulf to support their families in Kerala, are often unable to afford the steep ticket prices to visit their homeland during important occasions. The practice of significantly raising airfares during festive periods has long gone unnoticed, but it is now under scrutiny, with the High Court urging the state government to intervene urgently.

Under the Aviation Act, airlines have the authority to set airfares, and they have been exploiting this power, resulting in the financial burden on Gulf Malayalis. The High Court has suggested that the state government consult with the central government to find a solution to this issue. Despite the recent surge in jet fuel prices, airlines have been increasing ticket prices significantly, justifying the hikes using the fuel price increase as an excuse. However, even before the rise in fuel costs, airlines had attempted to raise ticket prices through various means.

There are more than 35 lakh Malayalis in various Gulf countries, and festive seasons provide them with an opportunity to reunite with their families in Kerala. However, the steep rise in ticket rates, for example, from Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000 for a Dubai-Kerala flight during Christmas, is making these reunions financially unfeasible for many.

While airlines have the authority to increase fares, the central government has the power to intervene and curb these exploitative practices. During natural disasters, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has previously instructed airlines not to raise fares beyond a certain limit, demonstrating that regulatory measures are possible. The state government has been tasked with informing the central government about the plight of Gulf Malayalis, highlighting the crucial role their remittances play in strengthening India’s economy.

Diplomatic intervention might prove to be effective in resolving this issue, showcasing that diplomacy can sometimes succeed where legal avenues fall short. The collective efforts of the state and central governments, along with diplomatic initiatives, could pave the way for a fair and reasonable airfare system for Gulf-Kerala flights, ensuring that the hardworking Malayali diaspora can reunite with their families without facing financial exploitation.