Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to urging the Union government to regulate the excessively high airfares charged by airlines, particularly for Haj pilgrims and expatriate Keralites travelling home during festive seasons and vacations.

Responding to a submission in the state Assembly, Vijayan stated that airline companies were imposing exorbitant ticket prices on passengers travelling for religious and personal reasons, making it financially burdensome for many. The Chief Minister highlighted the repeated complaints from Haj pilgrims and expatriates regarding the steep fare hikes during peak travel periods.