Haris Beeran flags soaring festive fares; urges DGCA to improve Calicut and Kannur airports

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran held a meeting with the Director of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, to address concerns over soaring airfares and issues related to airport infrastructure in Kerala.

During the discussion, Beeran highlighted the unchecked surge in airline ticket prices, particularly affecting travellers on Gulf routes. He urged the DGCA to investigate whether airline operators are seeking proper approvals before increasing airfares from the existing rates. He also called for the urgent expansion of the runway at Calicut International Airport to support improved flight operations.

The petition submitted during the meeting cited a sharp spike in prices on the Dubai–Calicut route. It pointed out that one-way fares on low-cost carriers have reached as high as ₹40,000 during the festive season, whereas the typical rate on regular days ranges between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000.

In the same letter to DGCA, the MP also urged to grant 'Point Of Call' recognition to Kannur International Airport, which will enable the operation of more international airline services from that location.