Youth Congress Urges Action on High Airfares in Northeast India

Itanagar, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 20 Jul: Expressing concern over soaring airfares and limited market competition in the Northeast region, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) national general secretary Tarh Johny has written to Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, urging parliamentary intervention to address the issue.

In a representation addressed to Gogoi on Sunday, with copies marked to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Johny highlighted that air travel in the Northeastern states is an essential necessity rather than a luxury due to challenging terrains, sparse railway networks, and long road travel durations.

The Northeast region of India, comprising eight states—Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—faces unique geographical challenges that make air travel a vital mode of transportation. The hilly terrains and dense forests often hinder the development of extensive road networks, while the railway infrastructure in the region is limited, further complicating travel logistics. As a result, flying becomes not just a matter of convenience but often the only feasible option for many residents.

Citing instances of alleged fare disparities, the youth leader pointed out that a non-stop 50-minute flight between Imphal and Guwahati was priced at Rs 11,687 on 18 July. In contrast, a much longer 2.40-hour non-stop flight from Imphal to New Delhi was available for Rs 10,525 on the same day. This stark difference in pricing raises questions about the pricing strategies employed by airlines and the lack of regulatory oversight that may allow such disparities to persist.

“Such fare disparities have caused widespread concern among passengers and deserve careful examination by the authorities concerned,” Johny said in his letter, adding that limited airline options on regional routes further choke affordable travel options for students, patients, businesspersons, and families during emergencies. The high cost of air travel can disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families, who may struggle to afford these fares, particularly in times of medical emergencies or when they need to travel for educational purposes.

Highlighting that the issue affects citizens across Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim, and Assam, the youth leader requested that Gogoi raise the matter during the monsoon session of Parliament. This call for action underscores the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that air travel remains accessible and affordable for all residents of the Northeast.

The representation called on the Centre to order a comprehensive review of airfare trends by the Civil Aviation Ministry, instruct the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to examine volatile fare spikes, promote airline competition, establish a transparent airfare monitoring mechanism, and frame a long-term policy for equitable regional air connectivity. Such measures could help create a more balanced market environment where competition can thrive, potentially leading to lower fares and improved services.

The issue of high airfares in Northeast India is not a new one. Over the years, various stakeholders, including local governments, airline operators, and civil society organizations, have raised concerns about the lack of competitive pricing in the region. The limited number of airlines operating in the area often leads to monopolistic practices, where a few players dominate the market, allowing them to set higher prices without fear of losing customers to competitors.

In response to these ongoing challenges, the Indian government has made some efforts to improve connectivity in the Northeast. Initiatives such as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme were introduced to enhance regional air travel by subsidizing routes and making air travel more affordable for the average citizen. However, the effectiveness of such measures has been questioned, especially in light of the continuing complaints about high airfares. The UDAN scheme aimed to connect underserved and unserved airports across the country, but the implementation in the Northeast has faced hurdles, such as operational challenges and insufficient demand on certain routes.

Moreover, the economic implications of high airfares extend beyond individual travelers. Businesses in the region, particularly those reliant on tourism and trade, are adversely affected by the costs associated with air travel. High airfares can deter tourists from visiting the Northeast, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, thereby impacting local economies that depend on tourism revenue. The tourism sector is particularly sensitive to transportation costs, and high airfares can discourage potential visitors from exploring the unique offerings of the region, including its rich heritage, diverse cultures, and picturesque landscapes.

The call for a review of airfare trends is timely, especially as the Indian government looks to stimulate economic growth in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring affordable air travel could be a crucial component in revitalizing the economy of the Northeast, attracting tourists, and facilitating easier movement for business and trade. The pandemic has already strained the economic fabric of the region, and addressing air travel costs could play a role in recovery efforts, allowing residents to engage more freely in commerce and tourism.

As the monsoon session of Parliament approaches, the outcome of this representation by the Indian Youth Congress could have significant implications for the future of air travel in Northeast India. If the government responds positively and takes action to address these concerns, it could lead to a more equitable travel landscape for residents of the region. Conversely, inaction could perpetuate the status quo, leaving many individuals and businesses facing the burden of high travel costs.

In conclusion, the issue of high airfares in Northeast India is multifaceted, involving economic, social, and geographical dimensions. The Indian Youth Congress's advocacy for intervention highlights the pressing need for government action to ensure that air travel remains an affordable and accessible option for all residents in this strategically important region of the country. As discussions unfold in Parliament, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if meaningful steps are taken to alleviate the financial burden of air travel in the Northeast. The implications of these discussions could extend beyond just air travel, influencing broader economic policies and regional development strategies that impact the lives of millions in the Northeast.