Estonia plans cheaper flights between Tallinn and Saaremaa island

Estonia's Ministry of Regions and Agriculture plans to lower airfares on the Tallinn–Kuressaare route, which links the Estonian capital with the main town of Saaremaa island. The ministry aims to win back passengers, whose numbers have fallen in recent years. Saaremaa Parish, the local authority, broadly backs the plan but wants it made more flexible so that more people can use the cheaper tickets. The plan was reported by Estonian public broadcaster ERR.

What the ministry proposes

The ministry intends to scrap a 10 percent surcharge on tickets for weekend flights. Currently the cheapest one-way ticket for a Saturday flight from Tallinn to Kuressaare costs about 40 euros; under the new rules it would be four euros cheaper.

It also plans to introduce a flight subscription that can be used for three months of the year. It would allow 12 flights at 32 euros each. According to the ministry, the subscription is meant for passengers who use the route more than twice a month.

Andres Ruubas, head of the public transport department at the ministry, said fares rose over the past two years and that this affected passenger numbers. In his view, the subscription should appeal to regular flyers in particular. He added that the local authorities had asked for lower prices.

Saaremaa Parish proposals

Martin Kulderknup, head of the parish's transport service, stressed that it is important for residents to have affordable air links with mainland Estonia. A letter from the parish to the ministry states that last year there were almost 17 percent fewer passengers than a year earlier, while ferry ticket prices stayed the same.

The parish supports the subscription but wants it to run for six months rather than three. It also proposes a year-round return ticket priced at 60 euros.

Next steps

Ruubas said the ministry has received the parish's proposals and will discuss them soon. The final decision will be made in early November. The price cut could take effect on 16 November, though the exact date has not yet been set.