Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced serious concern over the reported large-scale cancellations of Air India Express flights from Kerala airports in the upcoming winter schedule. In a strongly worded post on X, Tharoor revealed that he had already written to Air India’s Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, drawing attention to the issue and seeking immediate intervention. He pointed out that according to multiple media reports, a significant number of flights operating out of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur are set to be withdrawn between late October and March, a move that he believes will create widespread disruptions for passengers who rely heavily on these services.
Tharoor emphasised that Kerala is one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, with exceptionally high international passenger traffic, particularly to the Gulf countries where lakhs of Malayali migrant workers are employed. He warned that the decision to curtail services would not only impose hardships on migrant workers but would also severely affect students, tourists, business travellers, and families who depend on consistent and affordable air connectivity. Furthermore, he noted that the reduction in flights would have a direct impact on trade and tourism, two critical sectors of Kerala’s economy.
Criticising Air India’s approach, Tharoor accused the airline of treating Kerala as “an afterthought” in its larger operational plans. He highlighted that even business-class services on the Thiruvananthapuram route have been withdrawn, calling it a clear indication of the neglect shown towards the state. At the same time, he acknowledged that rival carriers such as IndiGo and Akasa Air are ready to step in, meaning that many passengers could switch loyalty to airlines that are willing to give Kerala better attention and service.
Tharoor, who had previously hailed Air India as his preferred airline, admitted that his opinion has changed in light of recent developments. “When facts change, opinions can change too,” he remarked, underscoring his disappointment with the carrier’s decisions. He concluded his appeal by urging both Air India and its parent company, the Tata Group, to reconsider their strategy and accord Kerala the importance it deserves in the aviation sector, given its unique position and contribution to India’s air travel landscape.
