Long-pending civil aviation issues affecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have once again been raised at the national level, with Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray urging the Ministry of Civil Aviation to take early action on connectivity, airfare regulation and emergency medical evacuation from the islands.
In a fresh communication addressed to the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, the MP has drawn attention to an earlier letter sent in July this year in which three key concerns relating to the civil aviation sector in the islands were formally placed before the Ministry. According to the MP, no response or indication of action taken has been received so far, prompting the renewed appeal.
At the forefront of the issues raised is the demand for the introduction of a direct flight between Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) and Madurai. The MP has pointed out that despite repeated representations, the proposed air link remains unaddressed, even as demand for better connectivity between the islands and southern Tamil Nadu continues to grow. Direct connectivity, it has been argued, would benefit passengers travelling for education, medical treatment, tourism and trade, while reducing dependence on circuitous routes via mainland hubs.
Another major concern highlighted relates to the regulation of airfares between Sri Vijaya Puram and major mainland cities including Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar and Delhi. The MP has flagged the issue of what he describes as excessive airfare levels on island routes, particularly during peak seasons and emergency situations. High ticket prices, residents have often argued, place a disproportionate financial burden on islanders, for whom air travel is not a luxury but a necessity.
The issue of airfare regulation has remained a recurring subject of public discourse in the islands, especially in the context of limited flight options and sudden spikes in prices. The letter reiterates the need for policy intervention to ensure affordability and predictability for passengers from the Union Territory.
The third and most urgent issue raised concerns the air evacuation of critically ill patients from Sri Vijaya Puram to mainland cities such as Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. The MP has sought attention to the lack of a dedicated air stretcher or air ambulance facility, which is often critical for patients requiring advanced medical care not available locally.
Medical evacuation delays and logistical hurdles have long been cited as a major challenge for healthcare delivery in the islands, particularly in life-threatening cases. The absence of a structured and accessible air ambulance mechanism places families under immense emotional and financial strain during emergencies.
In his communication, the MP has requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to examine the pending issues and ensure that appropriate action is initiated at the earliest. The renewed representation underscores the continuing gap between the aviation needs of the islands and the pace of policy response at the national level.
The letter adds to a series of representations made over time, highlighting how geographic isolation makes reliable, affordable and responsive aviation services critical for the social and economic well-being of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
