Venugopal on Thursday has written to the Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu urging immediate intervention to halt Air India's proposed cuts to both domestic and international services from four Kerala airports. Air India and Air India Express operates a sizeable number of flights, especially to the various Middle East countries and it's the backbone for the Kerala diaspora. "With Air India Express cutting services, other airlines may hike fares, creating a significant financial burden for thousands of Malayalis who are employed on modest incomes abroad," he said. "It is imperative that the Centre restores and maintains these crucial Air India services, ensuring that travel remains affordable and accessible for all Malayalis living and working abroad," added Venugopal. Around 2.5 million people constitute the Kerala diaspora of which around 85 per cent work in the various Middle East countries.