Hajj 2024: Reduction Of Rs 42,000 From Previous Rate For Those Who Travel From Calicut Airport After IUML MPs’ Intervention (Facebook)
Minister of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani informed PV Abdul Wahab MP that the flight rates for pilgrims who are travelling from Calicut’s Karipur Airport will be reduced by Rs 42,000 ($ 502) from the amount announced earlier. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Members of Parliament ET Muhammed Basheer, PV Abdul Wahab and Abdul Samad Samadani had met the minister earlier this month requesting reduction in the flight rates. Reports have said that the MPs had then got an assurance from the minister on the matter.
The minister, in a letter to Mr Wahab, said the the ministry realised during the scrutiny of the bids for Haj 2024 embarkation in Kerala’s three airports, it was noticed that while the rates for Cochin and Kannur were reasonable, the rate for Calicut was found to be very high.
The minister, according to the letter, the directed the Air Tender Committee to look into the matter to ensure that the interests of the pilgrims seeking embarkation from Calicut are protected.
“After extensive negotiations with the bidding airline and intervention by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the rate for Calicut was negotiated to USD 1,470 from USD 1,977 which is a reduction of USD 507 and is equivalent to Rs. 42,000/- (approx.) thereby protecting the interests of the pilgrims,” Ms Irani said.
However, the ticket price from Karipur Airport (1,22,000) is reportedly still significantly higher than the ticket rates from Kochi (86,000) and Kannur (89,000). According to reports, 9,750 pilgrims are travelling from Karipur.
The ministry has also added that Government of India has been proactively taking measures and initiatives to make the Haj process more convenient and seamless for the pilgrims.
Hajj 2024: IUML MPs meeting minority affairs minister Smriti Irani
Earlier, for finalising the air travel arrangements, bids are floated by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
“The price of each embarkation point is discovered through a transparent bidding process with participation of airlines from India and Saudi Arabia. The air fares vary across EPs due to technical, operational and commercial factors, over which the Government has no control,” the minister said about the process.
