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
India-UK deal to allow more flights to boost tourism and trade for global India & Britain
India and the UK signed a MoU to ease restrictions on the number of scheduled flights between the two countries, following successful talks in India this week. Limits on flights
South India’s oldest hotel Taj Connemara reopens in Chennai
Taj Connemara, South India’s oldest hotel reopens after undergoing a year-long extensive renovation and redesign. Dating back to 1854, the hotel’s legendary history has been brought to life with fresh and
AAI inks performance MoU with civil aviation ministry
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed its Annual Performance Contract (APC) for the year 2018-19 with ministry of civil aviation. The MoU was signed on April 27 between