There is an ongoing contest between the airline companies to increase ticket fares. Earlier, the rates were hiked during festival seasons. However, there is a new reason to hike the rates; the recent flight accident in Ethiopia. The accident involving the Boeing-737 killed all the passengers inside the flight. Airline companies were forced to ground all Boeing-737 flights as it was alleged that technical failure resulted in the accident. Companies had to cancel their routine flights and as result ticket rates were hiked several folds. Several flight services are currently cut short. The sudden hike in ticket prices mainly affects non-resident Keralites. These increased rate has become a backlash to Malayali families in gulf countries who were planning to take a flight back home during this vacation.

Airline companies are similar when it comes to exploiting passengers. Apart from minor changes, almost all companies charge similarly. The hike in charges on April 1 to Gulf countries is unbelievably high. In order to travel to Dubai on an Emirates Airlines flight, one has to pay Rs. 69438. Ticket rates from here to Doha is Rs. 88,705. It should be noted that the flights in gulf sector are charged more than any other. The central government that celebrates the annual Pravasi Bharateeya Divas haven’t yet done anything to stop this atrocity.

By grounding the Boeing-737, ticket rates have risen domestically as well. It’s a growing tendency nowadays to increase ticket rates accordingly with demand. These airlines, however, struggle to make significant profits even after hiking the prices. Several airlines have stopped their business due to the difficulties in finances.

Governments praise the role of NRIs in the development of the state and the nation. However, when NRIs face such difficulties, nobody is there to lend a hand.