The Hindu Business Line : Kerala CM plea on reduced airfare to Gulf sector

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, has written to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, seeking issue of directions to Indian Airlines and Air India for reduction in fares in the Gulf sector as well as for introduction of budget airline services.

Hundreds of Keralites travelling in the sector have been constantly complaining about the unreasonably high fares being charged by the country's national and international carriers, the Chief Minister said.

The State Government has repeatedly approached the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and top brass of both Air India and Indian Airlines with a request for reviewing the fare structure, but to no avail.

Keralite travellers have since put themselves on the warpath and are actively considering boycott of both the carriers. The circumstances that have led them to this extreme step need careful attention and deliberation by the authorities concerned lest they bring the country to disrepute internationally, the Chief Minister said.