Mangaluru: With the prices of flights between Mangaluru and the Gulf countries increasing steadily, non-resident Kannadigas have started travelling through the Kannur International Airport in neighbouring Kerala in the wake of the fare hike.
Non-resident Kannadigas, who have relied on the Kannur International Airport in neighbouring Kerala in the wake of the fare hike, say the air ticket fare from Kannur to the Gulf is less than half of what Karnataka is charging. Travellers from Gulf countries are mostly dependent on Kerala. Meanwhile, the fares between Mangaluru and Gulf countries are constantly sky-rocketing and this hike is becoming a big burden for non-resident Kannadigas.
The Kannur International Airport where the charges are half of Karnataka’s fare has been attracting passengers from Gulf countries.
Mangaluru International Airport and travel from Gulf countries to Mangaluru has been made possible due to the relentless struggle of non-resident Kannadigas. This was a boon for thousands of non-resident Kannadigas. However, the price hike has added cold water to this joy, leading to the ire of the NRI. While passengers from Kannur in Kerala travel from Abu Dhabi paying 450 Dirhams (Rs 9,700) via Air India Express to Mangaluru one has to pay 850 Dirhams (Rs. 18,350). While Kerala has daily flights, Mangaluru has flights only three-four days a week. A non-stop flight from Dammam to Mangaluru has reached Rs. 50,000, which is more expensive than travelling to all other countries. In the Gulf countries, children come home as soon as they get a two-month vacation. However, this time due to the increase in ticket prices, many of the non-resident Kannadiga businessmen say that many people have cut short their trips as their families are unable to come.
There is a BJP Government in the State and at the Centre. In such a situation, any difficult decision can be taken. However, the NRI Forum Vice-President has not yet been appointed to the post, which is required to meet the grievances of NRIs. Many non-resident Kannadigas are facing financial difficulties post-Covid. But there is no one to listen to their pain. MLAs, and MPs should understand the pain of NRIs, say Abu Dhabi businessmen.
NRIs coming to Karnataka from the Gulf nation come to Karnataka due to the Kerala – Karnataka price difference and come to the village on financial calculations. The NRIs from Karnataka and Kasaragod who were on their way to Mangaluru Airport go directly to the nearby Kannur International Airport and from there they take a taxi to reach the State. This will not only bring loss to passengers but also aads to additional maintenance of the flight.
Increasing flight operations during night will benefit all passengers. The non-resident Kannadigas lament that this kind of chaos is taking place due to ignorance of the politicians of our region.
