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India’s Alliance Air takes northern flyers for a ride
Although the Jaffna International Airport was declared open in October to connect the northern region with South Indian cities, unreasonable airfares, smaller baggage allowance and a lack of airport facilities are forcing locals to travel some 300 kilometres to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake instead. 
On Wednesday, pensioner Suntharam (not the real name), visited a leading airline ticket booking centre in Jaffna to reserve tickets for his family of eight to join a wedding of a relative in Chennai in early May.
The travel agent of Alliance Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, which began daily flights from Thursday, suggested he could reserve return tickets at Rs 32,823 per person.
He also suggested that if he prefers to fly from Colombo, he could offer cheaper fares of Rs 24,531 per person. Also, he was told, baggage allowance is only 15 kilograms from Jaffna airport in addition to seven kilograms of cabin luggage, compared with a total 47 kilos of baggage from BIA.
“Why do we have to pay an additional Rs 8,000 for a destination that is very near to us, takes less time to fly and with less baggage? Since we are travelling as a family group, we are planning to hire a van to Colombo and fly from there,” Suntharam told the Sunday Times.
Alliance Air operates ATR 72 type of aircraft which has seating for 72-78 passengers in a single-class arrangement.
Last week, Alliance Air officials met members of the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce (JCC) where affordable airfare came up. The Alliance Air officials responded by saying that if passengers could reserve tickets three to four weeks early, the airfare would be much less, compared with last-minute bookings.
“We are also aware of the public complaining about higher airfares compared with Colombo, but Alliance Air officials told us that airfare was due to airport handling charges and other government taxes since only 55 passengers are flying frequently, which is understandable. We have requested them to reconsider the airfare,” R. Jeyasekaran, vice president of the JCC told the Sunday Times.
Seeking affordable airfares the JCC wrote to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa proposing a reduction of airport tax of US$60 by half.
The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved a proposal by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to exempt the airport tax of US$60 at Mattala International Airport for two years to help boost tourism along with other concessions on fuel and ground handling. This does not apply to JIA.
Last week, the Cabinet approved an agreement with India to obtain a Rs 300 million grant to upgrade the Palaly International Airport (JIA). The cabinet memorandum was submitted by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga. The grant is expected to be used to improve facilities, including modifying the airport terminal, electricity supply, utility services, and transit services.
Mr Ranatunga, told the Sunday Times, that airline charges solely depend on the operator.
“We have granted a one year concession of taxes and other benefits to airline operators who operate in JIA. Airport charges and taxes at BIA are not the same as in JIA,” Mr Ranatunga said, while emphasising that this issue has been brought to his attention through Minister Douglas Devananda.
According to Mr Ranatunga, a report has been called from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and it is expected early next week. “Once the report is submitted, we are planning to have a discussion with the respective airline operator on how we can ensure affordable prices for those who travel to South Indian cities from JIA,” he said.
Subramanium Manoharan, who runs Manoj Express Services, a local charter flight operator, told the Sunday Times the airline operator manipulates airfares to make more profit by running a small aircraft.
“The estimated flying cost between Jaffna and Chennai is US$4000. The government levy for aviation services remains at US$60 per person. By selling tickets through early reservation in phases, the airline makes nearly Rs 1 million in addition to the total cost,” Mr Manoharan said, while rejecting claims by ticketing agents that the government is charging double airport tax.
Alliance Air failed to respond to queries made by the Sunday Times.
(SR)