The Airports Authority of India (AAI)’s decision to partially close down the Calicut International Airport in Karipur for repair works has drawn flak from all quarters, especially expatriates.
The authority plans to close down certain parts of the airport for six months from May to October following a study report of the Central Road Research Institute two months ago.
The protests are mainly because of the period during which the airport is to be closed. June-July is the vacation time in the Gulf countries, when most expatriates visit Kerala. The Umra season, Ramzan, Onam, and Hajj come during these six months. This is also the time when the airport is most busy.
With the partial closure, there will be lack of facilities for landing big aircraft such as Airbus 330, 747, and B777. Following the decision to close the airport, many airlines such as Saudi Airlines, Emirates, and Air India have stopped bookings to Kozhikode.
The Janatha Pravasi Cultural Centre has pointed out that around 27 lakh expatriates from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts are left in the lurch because of this decision.
Airline companies may move their services to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The Cultural Centre also smells a conspiracy to help other airports behind the move.
