Sri Vijaya Puram | August 31, 2026
Congress political leader Shri TSG Bhasker has raised serious concerns over the ongoing shortage of flight services to and from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighting the impact of reduced connectivity and rising airfares on tourism, local businesses, e-commerce and patients travelling to the mainland.
Speaking during a press interaction, Bhasker described the situation as unprecedented, claiming that even during the COVID-19 period, the Islands had not witnessed such a prolonged disruption in air connectivity.
“Even during COVID, we had not seen a situation like this.”
He pointed to the limited number of flights currently operating and the sharp rise in airfares, arguing that the consequences are being felt across the wider Island economy.
Tourism Industry Under Pressure
According to TSG Bhasker, reduced flight services are directly affecting the tourism sector.
He said the impact extends beyond hotels and tourism operators to businesses dependent on tourist arrivals, while high airfares are making travel to the Islands increasingly difficult.
E-Commerce Deliveries Affected
Bhasker also highlighted the effect on e-commerce.
He said mainland-ordered goods are reportedly taking significantly longer to reach the Islands, adding that the geographical isolation of the Union Territory makes dependable air connectivity particularly important.
Unlike mainland regions, the Islands do not have extensive road and railway alternatives for mainland connectivity.
“If we had railways or road transport as alternatives, the situation would have been different. But for the Islands, air connectivity is essential.”
“Writing Letters Is Not Enough”
Bhasker also questioned whether repeated representations by organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce were producing tangible results.
He argued that submitting letters is only the beginning and called for sustained follow-up with the Administration and airlines until concrete outcomes are achieved.
“Writing letters is not enough. There has to be follow-up and pressure until there is a result.”
He also referred to previous interventions by industry bodies on issues affecting the Islands and stressed the importance of continuing to pursue such matters until they are resolved.
Patients Among the Worst Affected
One of the most serious concerns raised by Bhasker was the financial burden faced by patients who need specialised treatment on the mainland.
He claimed that some patients could face expenses of around ₹4.5 lakh for travel and related arrangements.
Bhasker appealed to the Administration to consider using a portion of medical or welfare funds to assist patients with transportation costs.
“If a patient has to spend ₹4.5 lakh just to travel for treatment, what will they be able to afford after reaching the mainland?”
He further raised concerns that families could be forced to sell jewellery or other assets to meet emergency medical travel expenses.
As a possible measure, he suggested a dedicated annual allocation to support transportation for a limited number of patients requiring mainland treatment.
Four Months of Connectivity Concerns
Bhasker also highlighted concerns over the period between June and September, arguing that the prolonged reduction in flight availability was effectively isolating the Islands during a crucial period.
While flights continue to operate intermittently, he argued that the present level of connectivity remains inadequate for the requirements of residents and the local economy.
The issue, therefore, extends beyond the aviation sector.
It affects tourism, commerce, online shopping, healthcare and everyday connectivity.
The Bigger Question: Who Pays the Price?
For the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, air connectivity is not simply a matter of convenience.
The absence of mainland road and railway alternatives makes reliable air services particularly important for residents, businesses and patients.
When flights become fewer and fares rise, the consequences can be felt across the Islands.
TSG Bhasker has called for urgent intervention by the Administration and concerned authorities to restore adequate flight capacity, address high airfares and ensure that patients and other essential travellers are not priced out of mainland connectivity.
For an island territory with no mainland road or railway alternative, how long can Islanders be expected to pay the price for inadequate air connectivity?
Dweep Tulika | A Truthful & Unbiased Perspective
Editor's Note: The ₹4.5 lakh patient-travel figure and other statements attributed to Shri TSG Bhasker are presented as claims made during the press interaction and have not been independently verified by Dweep Tulika.