DGCA asks airlines to operate more flights to Kerala, cap fares

Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked domestic airlines to operate additional flights to Kerala and cap fares as the state is affected by one of the worst floods in the history of the state. The flood situation has forced its busiest airport in Kochi to shut operations till August 26.

The DGCA after holding talks with the carriers, said it is constantly monitoring airfares on 32 direct routes operating to/from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore and Mangalore.

“Spike in airfare on a few routes have been observed. Airlines concerned have been advised to cap the airfare on these flights,” it said.

The Cochin international airport, the seventh busiest in the country, has been shut from August 14 following the heavy rain and flood in Kerala. Of the 71 arrivals and 74 departures of scheduled domestic airlines to and from the Cochin airport, 23 arrivals and 24 departures have been rescheduled and an additional 19 arrivals and departures have been diverted to and from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Coimbatore airports, the DGCA said in a statement.