Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 28: The Andaman & Nicobar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ANCCI) has been making continuous and sustained efforts to address the serious issues of shortfall of airline flights and high airfares between the mainland and the Islands, which have been adversely affecting tourism, trade and the island community.
As part of these efforts, a delegation of the Chamber met the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and apprised him of the pressing issues of high airfares and inadequate flight connectivity to the Islands.
The Chamber also submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, requesting his intervention for increasing the frequency of flights to the Islands. The matter was further taken up with the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, bringing to his notice the difficulties faced by Islanders due to the shortage of flights, particularly during the monsoon season, as well as the issue of high airfares.
ANCCI also apprised the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, regarding the shortage of flights and high airfares and requested appropriate intervention. The Chamber approached the Hon’ble Member of Parliament and requested him to take up the matter at the appropriate Ministry level. The MP has already taken up the matter with the Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation.
In addition, ANCCI delegations met the Airport Director, Secretary (Civil Aviation), and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Civil Aviation) and submitted detailed representations seeking immediate measures to resolve the difficulties being faced by the tourism industry and Islanders.
The Chamber also directly met representatives of major airline operators, including IndiGo, Akasa Air and Indian Airlines, and requested them to increase flight frequency and capacity on the mainland–Island sector.
Positive Results: –
The tireless efforts of ANCCI, along with other organizations and stakeholders who have been pursuing this important issue, are now beginning to yield positive results.
The Chamber has been informed that flight operations to the Islands are expected to increase substantially:
September 2026: approximately 88 flights per week.
October 2026: approximately 126 flights per week.
November 2026: approximately 147 flights per week.
December 2026: expected to exceed 175 flights per week.
This substantial increase in air connectivity is a very encouraging development for the tourism industry, business community and Islanders.
ANCCI appeals to all stakeholders in the tourism sector—including hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agents, water-sports operators, restaurants and transport operators—to prepare themselves adequately to receive a large influx of tourists during the coming months.
The Chamber is hopeful that, with improved air connectivity, the Islands will witness the highest-ever tourist arrivals in the coming season.
ANCCI also appeals to everyone to actively promote the unique attractions and tourism experiences available in the Islands, including our pristine beaches, parasailing, semi-submarine rides, underwater walks, banana rides, jet-skiing, heritage car rides, sea-kart rides, and the unique sandbar connecting Ross and Smith Islands, besides the deep forests and numerous other natural attractions.
The Chamber urges all stakeholders to work together to provide quality services and memorable experiences to visitors so that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands emerge as one of India’s leading tourism destinations.
ANCCI remains committed to taking up all issues concerning trade, commerce, industry and tourism with the competent authorities and will continue its efforts in the larger interest of the Islands and its people.