Thiruvananthapuram: The Center Monday informed Kerala that its long-pending demand to reduce airfares to Gulf countries during festivals including Onam would be looked into.
An assurance in this regard was given by civil aviation secretary R. Narayanan Chaubey to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a high-level meeting of senior officials of the ministry and CEOs of airline companies operating to the three airports in the state - Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Karipur and also Kannur airport, which is coming up.
Addressing the meeting, the CM referred to hardships caused to Keralites in the Gulf as airlines charge exorbitant air fares, especially during festive holidays.
The aviation ministry has responded 'favorably' to the state's plea, Pinarayi later told reporters.
Responding to the state's plea, Chaubey said 'we would like to consider providing additional seats provided it is feasible for the airlines'.
The airline companies have been asked if they could operate more services if more seats were allocated, he said, adding the objective was to keep fares low during festivals.
"We have asked for inputs from airlines as to what steps need to be taken during festivals, especially Onam. The airline companies have given us some inputs," he added.
Discussions were also held on operation of more services to the state's airports and connecting of more cities,he said.
Indigo Airlines has evinced interest to start one more service from Thiruvananthapuram, Pinarayi said, adding government had assured to examine it and take necessary action.
Airport in Sabarimala
Airline companies have also raised the issue of 29 percent Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) tax in Kerala and have sought to reduce it by one per cent or less, he said.
To provide better facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims, the government has decided to develop an airport at the holy town, the CM said.
There are several NRKs (Non Resident Keralites) from the region, he said, adding that Sabarimala airport will provide a 'big opportunity' for the civil aviation sector.
Chaubey said the Center was committed to provide better air connectivity to Kerala.
He said the country's civil aviation sector has seen a 'huge growth' in the last three years.
New services
Presently, 400 aircraft operate services in the country and airline companies have placed orders for another 400 aircraft, he said.
Indigo Airlines will soon start start additional direct flights from New-Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram.
Services on Kochi-Doha, Kozhikode-Doha and the Kochi-Bengaluru routes will also commence soon.
State chief secretary, Nalini Netto, transport secretary K.R. Jyothilal, tourism secretary Dr Venu, Shashi Tharoor, MP and representatives of airlines were among those present.