Muscat: Congress MP Shafi Parambil has taken a decisive step to address the issue of skyrocketing airfares by introducing a private member’s resolution in the Lok Sabha. The resolution, aimed at implementing measures to regulate airfare, highlights the financial strain placed on migrant workers, especially those in the Gulf region.

Speaking on Friday, Mr. Parambil emphasized that many migrant workers are unskilled or semi-skilled and have limited incomes. The steep airfare rise during vacation often forces them into significant debt. His resolution comes a day after Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu pledged to investigate sudden fare increases following complaints from MPs and an intervention by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

He cited specific examples, such as the fare for an economy class ticket from Kochi to Dubai, which was ₹19,062 for July 27 with only four seats left, compared to ₹77,000 for August 31 with nine seats remaining on the same flight.

Mr Parambil highlighted the excessive rise in airfares over recent years, particularly during holiday seasons, which disproportionately affects expatriates in Gulf countries. These workers often save for an entire year to afford the round-trip airfare, and many have to take out substantial loans to reunite with their families.

The Congress MP condemned airlines’ “unregulated overpricing” during peak seasons, calling it unethical and unfair. “This has to stop. We have to put an end to this by showing administrative and political will,” he asserted, urging the government to set a reasonable upper limit on maximum fares for specific routes.

Additionally, Mr Parambil proposed that the government convene a joint meeting with airline operators, people’s representatives, and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue of excessive airfare urgently. He also suggested the establishment of a quasi-judicial body to regulate and monitor air tariffs ethically and equitably.