Kerala CM Fights Sky-High Airfare for Haj Pilgrims

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urges the Indian government to regulate soaring airline ticket prices for Haj pilgrims and expatriates. Despite a plea to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, the Centre maintains that airlines independently set fares without government interference since deregulation in 1994.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has vowed to maintain pressure on the union government to regulate the exorbitant airfares charged by airlines for Haj pilgrims and expatriates returning home during festive seasons.

Speaking in the state Assembly, Vijayan emphasized that ticket prices for these groups have reached unreasonable levels. He revealed that a letter had been sent to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, seeking the central government's action in addressing the issue.

Despite discussions during a recent meeting of Members of Parliament, the Centre reiterated its stance that airlines have had full autonomy to set and alter fare prices since deregulation in 1994, without governmental involvement in their commercial operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)