MLA Claims Effort to Remove Calicut Airport as Haj Embarkation Hub

Quick Summary

• Allegation of conspiracy: T.V. Ibrahim, Kondotty MLA, alleges efforts to undermine passenger usage of Calicut International Airport (Karipur), especially as a Haj embarkation point.
• declining numbers of Haj pilgrims at Karipur:

– In 2024, 10,515 pilgrims opted for Karipur despite an additional ₹32,000 fare per ticket.
– In 2025, pilgrim numbers dropped to 5,857 due to increased fares around ₹40,000 compared to Kochi and Kannur.
– For the upcoming season in 2026: only 632 pilgrims have selected Karipur thus far.

• Disparity in fares: Ibrahim asserts that Haj flight fare differences are deliberate and not related to the technical issue of smaller flights. He claims standard flying rates from Kozhikode (Calicut), Kochi, and Kannur remain nearly identical otherwise.
• Negligence charges: Ibrahim accuses both Central & State governments and the Kerala State Haj committee of failing to intervene effectively in addressing this disparity or protecting KaripurS role as a key airport for pilgrims from Malappuram district-the region with the largest number of prospective travelers from Kerala.
• impact on other airports: The MLA argues this situation benefits Kochi and Kannur airports at the expense of Calicut.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The meaningful decline in Haj pilgrim traffic through Calicut International Airport highlights underlying issues that appear systemic rather than incidental. Fares being markedly higher for this airport could deter future usage even among its historically loyal base-Malappuram district residents-and potentially compromise its viability long-term. As Mr. ibrahim points out, lack of transparent justification for these disproportionate costs raises questions about management policies favoring choice embarkation points like Kochi or Kannur.

If unresolved fairly by relevant authorities-including civil aviation departments-the allegations spread beyond immediate commercial concerns toward socio-political implications regarding equity between regions served by different airports.Ensuring consistent pricing across Kerala’s international gateways seems paramount not only for maintaining public trust but also safeguarding balanced advancement within India’s transport infrastructure.

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