Confusion and mounting concern have gripped commuters, business operators, and tourism stakeholders on the domestic airbridge following contradictory statements from senior government ministers regarding proposed TT$1,000 peak-period airfares.
The controversy erupted after Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj disclosed that the government was exploring the introduction of two daily unsubsidized, market-rate flights—priced between $800 and $1,000 return—to relieve severe seat shortages and cater to last-minute travelers and tourists. However, the proposal triggered immediate pushback from commuters and a swift cabinet rebuke. Energy and Energy Industries Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal formally dismissed the reports as “misleading and incorrect,” insisting that Cabinet had neither discussed nor approved any policy introducing premium-priced domestic flights and reiterating that the standard TT$400 subsidized return fare remains firmly intact.
