Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Member of Parliament, has voiced strong concerns regarding Air India Express's reported plans to significantly reduce flights to and from Kerala airports during the upcoming winter schedule. Tharoor has characterized this potential curtailment of services as treating Kerala "as an afterthought". He warned that the move could severely impact migrant workers, students, tourists, and families, while also negatively affecting trade and tourism in the region.

Tharoor expressed his concerns in a letter to Air India Managing Director Campbell Wilson, highlighting the potential ramifications of these flight cancellations. He noted that numerous media reports indicate a substantial number of flights are slated to be withdrawn from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur between late October and March. Kerala is one of India's busiest aviation hubs, particularly for international passenger traffic to the Gulf region.

Tharoor criticized Air India for removing even business-class services on the Delhi-Thiruvananthapuram route. He also pointed out that other airlines, such as IndiGo and Akasa Air, are prepared to capitalize on the situation, potentially drawing passengers away from Air India with their attentiveness. Tharoor, who had previously favored Air India, suggested his opinion might change if the airline neglects Kerala.

The potential reduction in flights has sparked worries about the difficulties it could create for migrant workers, students, tourists, and families who rely on these connections. Furthermore, the curtailment could harm trade and tourism, vital sectors for the Kerala economy. Tharoor's criticism reflects a broader concern that Air India, despite its historical connections to the region, may be deprioritizing Kerala in its strategic planning.

Air India was sold back to the Tata Group by the Indian government in 2022. Since then, Air India has begun an ambitious transformation plan with the goals of modernizing its fleet, improving its service, and integrating its operations with other Tata aviation companies, such as Vistara and AirAsia India.