Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 24, 2026: With the tourism season approaching, the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and airport authorities to pursue measures for increasing air connectivity and reducing airfares to the Islands, stating that limited flight capacity and escalating ticket prices are affecting tourist arrivals and the wider tourism economy.
An AATO delegation held a series of meetings on August 24, 2026, with senior officials of the Administration and the Airport Director of Veer Savarkar International Airport to present concerns relating to flight availability and passenger travel costs. The association requested the authorities to take up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airline operators to improve connectivity and expand flight capacity.
The delegation was led by AATO President M. Vinod and included General Secretary Saikat Biswas, Organising Secretary Mohammed Rafique and Joint Secretary Purushottam.
During the meetings, the delegation met Airport Director Muneer Madampat, Secretary (Civil Aviation) Rajanish Kumar Singh, IAS, and Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti, IAS.
According to the association, increasing the number of flights to the Islands, adding capacity on existing routes and encouraging airlines to operate additional services during the peak tourism season are necessary to improve accessibility. It also conveyed concerns over the sharp rise in airfares, stating that higher travel costs are affecting demand for the destination and creating challenges for businesses dependent on tourism.
The association said the Administration should actively pursue discussions with the concerned ministries and airlines to explore all available options for introducing additional flights from major mainland cities. It maintained that better connectivity would support the tourism industry while also benefiting related sectors linked to visitor arrivals.
AATO further stated that reliable air connectivity is central to the functioning of tourism in an island destination and that sufficient flight capacity and reasonably priced air travel are essential for sustaining the sector. It noted that improved connectivity could also support employment in hospitality, transport, tourism activities and other allied services.
The association thanked the senior officials for providing an opportunity to present the industry’s concerns and consider its suggestions. It expressed hope that coordinated efforts involving the Administration and airline operators would lead to additional flights, improved connectivity and more competitive airfares ahead of the upcoming tourism season.
AATO also reiterated its commitment to working with the Administration and other stakeholders on initiatives aimed at improving accessibility to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
