Flight fares soar as Kochi delays airport reopening
dubai — With 90 per cent of airport staffers affected by the recent floods which have ravaged Kerala, Kochi International Airport has announced that it will restore its operations on August 29, three days later than previously announced.
“As central Kerala is yet to recover from post-flood trauma, it is a daunting task to arrange local accommodation and logistics of catering items, which will cause a cascading effect on the passengers,” a statement by CIAL said on Wednesday.
Further delays in the reopening of the airport means non-resident Keralites wishing to return to the UAE have no option but to book tickets from alternative local airports in India. But many are complaining that tickets are exorbitantly priced.
“A one-way ticket from Kozhikode to Dubai on Spice Jet on August 28 is priced at Dh2,223. People have lost so much, we have faced such a massive natural calamity… despite that the prices are too high,” Naveen Mangad, a Sharjah resident told Khaleej Times.
Many feel that given the situation, airlines should be sympathetic and provide some concession to passengers.
We wanted to present our grandparents in Kerala and parents here with Onam gifts. But nothing can be more important than bringing a little smile on faces of thousands of people.”
Pallavi, Abu Dhabi student
abu dhabi — In a heartwarming gesture, Abu Dhabi-based children broke their piggy banks to assist those affected by floods in the Indian state of Kerala. These children are participating in a summer camp held by an Indian dance and music institute in Abu Dhabi City.
Following the crisis in Kerala, the institute members decided to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. They also held a special session showing videos of flood situation to the participating children.
What followed was an unexpected reaction from the little hearts.
Navarasa Institute of Dance and Music managing director Prakash Thampy said: “They were all happy at the start as they thought it was a video of water theme park but soon reality dawned on them. Their joyous faces turned sad. We told them about the grave situation in Kerala. And each little one came forward on their own to help. A boy, Aadhi Shankar Thrilok, even broke down and it made all of us emotional. We elders were surprised with such an overwhelming response.”
And children contributed everything from their little savings. Sisters Pallavi and Pavithra broke their piggy banks.
“We wanted to present our aged grandparents in Kerala and parents here with Onam gifts. But nothing can be more important this festive season than bringing a little smile on faces of thousands of homeless people. So we are contributing all our savings,” Pallavi, Grade 6 student of Sunrise English Private School Mussafah, said.
Abhijay Manoj was emotional and said: “We are shocked to see such massive loss of lives and destruction. Everyone should do their bit to rebuild the state. I will give all my small savings to this cause. We can also help,” Manoj, Grade 5 student of American Community School of Abu Dhabi, said.
Parents also came forward to offer financial assistance. They were all proud of the kind gesture made by their children.
“We expats are concerned that our next generation is not respecting human values as they are always busy with electronic gadgets. But we all are extremely happy that a lot of kids really understood the value of relationships and showed their willingness to extend whatever possible help to those affected by floods,” a parent said.
The contributions will be donated to Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.