In a bid to facilitate the return of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) for the upcoming Onam festival, the Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has written to the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, seeking authorization for charter flights from Gulf countries to the state. The request comes in response to the exorbitant airfare costs that have deterred many NRKs from traveling home to Kerala.
Onam, a significant cultural festival in Kerala, holds great importance for Keralites residing both in India and the Middle East region. However, the steep airfare costs have forced a considerable number of NRKs and Kerala expats to either cancel or postpone their travel plans, potentially hampering their ability to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. Recognizing the impact of this issue, CM Vijayan urged Minister Scindia to authorize the operation of charter flights specifically for the transportation of NRKs from the UAE to India during the Onam festivities.
CM Pinarayi emphasized that the proposed flights would adhere to the stipulated Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), specifically the International Travel Permits (ITP) provisions, allowing for a period of 30 days. In his letter, he requested the necessary directives to be issued to the regulatory authority and relevant departments to facilitate this arrangement.
To explore alternative options, the state government and the Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NORKA) recently conducted a high-level meeting to assess whether ticket fares with Gulf companies were comparatively cheaper than those with Indian airlines. As part of their efforts, CIAL MD S Suhaz and NORKA Principal Secretary Suman Billa were appointed to represent Kerala and engage in meetings with Gulf-based airlines to avail chartered flights for NRKs.
The aim of seeking authorization for charter flights from Gulf countries to Kerala during the Onam festival is to alleviate the financial burden that many NRKs face when planning their return home. By providing more affordable travel options, the government hopes to ensure that NRKs can partake in the festivities and reconnect with their families and communities without experiencing the financial strain caused by exorbitant airfares.
It is important to note that the article focuses on the efforts made by Kerala’s Chief Minister to address the concerns of NRKs and enable their timely return for the Onam festival. The appeal for authorization of charter flights from Gulf countries indicates the government’s commitment to facilitating the journey of NRKs while considering their financial constraints.
