Thiruvananthapuram: The Centre has rejected Kerala’s request to intervene in capping the airfares to the state during the busy Onam season. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia in his response to the letter written by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan expressed the Centre’s disinterest in interfering in the issue.

In his letter, Scindia mentioned that the final decision on ticket prices rests with the airline companies. According to him, only a 9.77 percent hike has been observed in ticket fares during the Onam season. Since a dynamic pricing method is being followed, the only way for passengers to avoid this issue is by booking their tickets in advance, the minister noted. 

Kerala’s request to allow the operation of chartered flights during the festive season was also not entertained. The minister maintained that such permissions are given only after scrutinising the respective situations.