AGARTALA, September 19 (TIWN): People flying to Kolkata and vice-versa have been badly hit by the hike of air fares for prolonged many days.

Most of the time, flights are either delayed or cancelled without any intimation and passengers are not even getting compensated. They are now being forced to book tickets at a higher price.

Despite of decrease in the price of the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) by more than 11 percent, yet no change has been observed in rates of the Air Tickets from Kolkata to Agartala and vice-versa.

However, it has been seen that the rates of Air Tickets from Kolkata to Delhi and elsewhere is low or average then here in Tripura.

“For 45 min of journey we had to pay above Rs. 3000, whereas for 3 hours of journey we are paying the same amount”, said a local.

Allegedly, the air service providers have hiked the ticket fare by taking the chance of mega block conversion.

Some of the passengers have alleged that, some travel agencies are continuing their black marketing in the name of ‘group ticket’.

Despite of price hike in the Ait Tickets the state government and the Airport Authority are playing role of silent spectators.

However, where many aviation companies like GoAir are willing to make their business over here in Tripura but due to the negligence of the concern authority the interested flight companies are unable to set their business.

However, allowing the other aviation companies to set their business in the State could have decreased the hike in the Air Tickets, claimed a passenger.

Though the willing people can use the by-road to go to Kolkata but problems arise with the people who are ill and some who do not have passports.

On the other hand, the Railway service will also get shutdown on September 20. Therefore, the people of Tripura will have only two options to go to Kolkata. One, through by-road and the last is through flight which is mounting day by day.

Therefore, the air passengers of Tripura and the people who are will to take the flight rout to go to Kolkata are facing serious problem.