Civil Aviation Minister’s intervention sought to augment international connectivity of Calicut airport
Greater Malabar Initiative (GMI) formed by industrialists, healthcare professionals and eminent persons to promote development of the Malabar region called upon Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s intervention for securing DGCA’s speedy approval for landing of wide-bodied jets at the Calicut airport – thereby strengthening its international connectivity.A GMI team led by Chairman Dr. Azad Moopen submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister at his office in the capital today. The appeal sought to point out that augmenting Calicut’s international connectivity is critical for promoting exports and tourism in the region. Currently wide-bodied jets are not allowed to land in the airport hindering international connectivity, especially with Gulf countries. Final work on the runway is expected to be completed by March next year.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of GMI said, ‘’Calicut’s economic development hinges on international connectivity. The withdrawal of wide-bodied aircraft services has caused considerable hardship to travellers from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad districts. Insufficient cargo movement hasalso hit farmers and exporters who send perishable goods to the Gulf countries.We have requested Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister for his support to ensure that the necessary DGCA approval is accelerated as soon as the final re-carpeting work is completed in March next year. We are hopeful of a speedy clearance.’’
Calicut Airport commenced operations in 1988 with a short 6,000 feet runway. After 4 years, the runway length was extended to 9380 feet to enable bigger aircrafts to operate to Calicut connecting with Gulf countries through erstwhile Indian Airlines. In 2006, more international flights including Hajj flights were being operated using wide-bodied aircrafts. The airport was partially closed for re-carpeting and pavement strengthening since May 2015.
You might also like
TTM+ Thailand’s largest B2B tourism trade event announces its 16th edition
‘Discover Unique Local Experiences’ to be the theme this year! After 15 successive years of being Thailand’s largest B2B tourism trade event, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues its
Lion Air signs GDS agreement with Sabre to fuel its growth strategy
Sabre adds highly-valued content from leading low-cost carrier in Asia to its global marketplace Sabre Corporation announced a new content distribution agreement with Lion Air, the largest privately-owned airline in Indonesia,
VFS Global re-awarded contract for Italy visa services in India
VFS Global has been awarded the contracts to provide Italy visa services in nine countries worldwide – Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
