Airlines asked to mount additional flights to Kerala, cap maximum air fares
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17 : The civil aviation regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has asked domestic airlines to mount additional flights to and from Kerala with a cap on the maximum fare.
The advisory came as the state reeled under torrential rain and the worst floods in the recent past.
The grim situation has left the state with only two operational civil airports at Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut, as operations at Cochin airport have been suspended till August 26 on account of rising water levels in the operational area.
"Scheduled domestic airlines have also been advised to ensure that air fares for flights to or from Trivandrum and Calicut airports in Kerala and nearby airports i.e. Mangalore and Coimbatore are kept at optimal level proportionate to sector distance so that travelling public is not inconvenienced," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement issued on Friday.
Accordingly, airlines have been requested to cap the maximum fare to around Rs 10,000 on longer routes and around Rs 8,000 on shorter routes to and from Kerala and nearby airports.
"In addition, DGCA is constantly monitoring air fares on 32 direct routes operating to or from Trivandrum, Calicut, Coimbatore and Mangalore," the statement said.
"Spike in airfare on few routes have been observed. Concerned airlines have been advised to cap the airfare on these flights."
On Thursday, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu tweeted:
"We have advised airlines to be more sensitive to situation arising out of #KeralaFlooding & keep airfares in check. It's a humanitarian cause. Thx to all for agreeing with my suggestions to carry free of charge the #KeralaFloodRelief related material. All efforts ongoing for relief."
A day ago, Minister of Statistics & Programme Implementation D.V. Sadananda Gowda had tweeted: "Private Airlines are at a money making Shame!! Today Mangalore to Bengaluru ticket rate sky-rocketed to Rs 18,000. This route's average rate is never more than Rs 4,000. It's time to introduce more flights @jayantsinha."
The monsoon fury has hit different parts of Western Ghats including districts of Kerala and adjoining areas in Karnataka.
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“Go fight in Iran if you’re so bothered”: Sambhal cop’s remarks ahead of Eid go viral
“He cannot impose his opinions on citizens,” say netizens
Lucknow: A video of a police officer in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district addressing people regarding tensions in the middle east is doing rounds on social media.
The police officer, according to PTI, was addressing a meeting ahead of Alvida prayers and the upcoming Eid festival.
The remarks were made during a security review meeting held at the Sambhal Kotwali police station on Wednesday, PTI reported.
In the video Circle Officer Kuldeep Singh addresses local community members and discusses security arrangements ahead of the religious gatherings.
During the meeting, Singh cautioned people against reacting to developments related to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. He said, "Many people are getting worked up about the war between Iran and Israel, and they're trying to interfere. They're beating their chests. Brother, if you have so much trouble, then you should board a plane and go to Iran and fight on Iran's behalf."
During the meeting, Singh also advised people not to raise slogans or display placards in support of or against any foreign country during religious gatherings.
He said, "There's a fight going on between two other countries, and if that fight has any impact on law and order in our country, then we'll take action."
He further warned that raising slogans linked to international conflicts during Alvida or Friday prayers would not be permitted.
According to the officer, foreign disputes should not influence the local situation in India, and people who feel disturbed by such events should not attempt to create unrest in their own communities.
In the video that circulated online, Singh is heard elaborating on his remarks and addressing the gathering about maintaining peace during the festival period.
He said, "A lot of people seem eager to comment on the Israel–Iran war and keep poking the issue. If you have a problem, board the flight rescuing stranded Indians and go fight for Iran."
He added, " If it’s such a big problem for you, then just get on a plane. When the plane's about to leave Iran, just get on the plane and leave. Go fight on Iran’s side if you want, then come back. But don’t get involved in a fight between two other countries."
The officer further said that the police would take action if the conflict between other nations affects law and order locally.
"And if this conflict affects law and order in our country, then we will take action. There shouldn’t be any loud protests, slogans, banners, or chants during any prayer, be it farewell prayers or Friday prayers, against anyone or any country. We are Indians, we are proud to be Indian," he said.
In the video, he also stated that people in the country should focus on maintaining peace and not involve themselves in international disputes.
"We're living here peacefully. The fights going on are their own internal matters; they’ll have to deal with that themselves," Singh said.
He also warned that the police would not tolerate attempts to create tension in the area.
During the meeting, he also asked people to ensure that the festival period remains peaceful.
The officer also warned that even a single individual could create trouble in a community.
"So never let these things happen. Just one bad person is enough to ruin your town, neighborhood, or city. One problem is enough. Even if everyone comes together to fix it, it still takes a lot of time. You’ve seen that even now, things haven’t settled down here," he said.
Meanwhile, several social media users reacted to the video and criticised the remarks.
“Its not his duty to ask citizens whom to support and whom not to during a global conflict. He is nothing more than an office bearer. He cannot impose his opinions on citizens,” wrote a user.
“India claims to be a democracy, but that democracy seems to disappear when it comes to Muslims. While protesting is a democratic right, it isn't treated as one for the Muslim community.... instead, it's treated as a law and order issue to justify police crackdowns,” said another.
“Ah he is back with sermons for Muslims.He seems to be very dedicated to the cause of educating Muslims,” another user wrote.
“Why does UP police have to give this sermon?” another user said.
Another user stated, “To Kuldeep: Empathy for human life in a conflict zone is not a crime nor does it make a citizen any less Indian. It is incredibly disappointing to see a high ranking officer use such crude and divisive language ahead of a festival. A DSP should focus on local law and order instead of suggesting "rescue flights" for people whose only fault is having an opinion. Stick to your uniform and the dignity it carries.”
Responding to the remarks, AIMIM Uttar Pradesh president Shaukat Ali also criticised the officer’s comments.
"Your language does not reflect that you have taken oath of the constitution. You talk like a street thug, a criminal," he said while responding to the remarks of UP DSP Kuldeep Kumar.
In a video message, Ali said, “Just a little while ago, a video surfaced on Socialmedia, showing a guy from Asmoli named Kuldeep Singh. He's the SIO who’s got extra charge of Sambal, but the Sambal SIO position is currently vacant. They were holding a peace committee meeting for Muslims, where they were seen threatening the Muslims, saying, 'Whoever stands up, I'll send them to Iran. Let them go to Iran.' Brother, who do you think you are?”
He further said, “You… You’ll keep threatening to take us to court if we do something legal. Go ahead and sue us. You’re the one giving threats. The first case should be filed against you.”
Ali also questioned the language used by the officer in the meeting.
“But the way you’re speaking doesn’t sound like someone who’s taken an oath in the name of the Constitution at all. It sounds more like the language of some street punk, a thug, or a criminal,” he said.
“You shouldn’t use language like this anywhere, and I’m consulting my legal team about your video. If anything comes of it, God willing, we won’t hesitate to take action against you,” he added.
"Your language does not reflect that you have taken oath of the constitution. You talk like a street thug, a criminal," AIMIM UP president Shaukat Ali responding to UP DSP Kuldeep Kumar. pic.twitter.com/pCWnOe7I4I https://t.co/MNAwh7e9Cy
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) March 12, 2026
Speaking to PTI later, the officer said his comments were meant to ensure peace and communal harmony in the area.
"My point was that incidents happening on foreign soil should not disturb the local atmosphere. Our objective is to maintain peace and order," Singh said.
