The city-based Malabar Development Council (MDC) has claimed that more than 10 major investors in the civil aviation sector have expressed interest in taking up the proposed Thiruvambady airport project if the State government is willing to clear the related formalities.
Leaders of the Council told reporters here on Friday that sufficient land could be identified in the area with the cooperation of the local panchayat and land owners. They called upon the government to consider seriously the greenfield project that had evoked a favourable response from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
MDC president C.E. Chakkunni said the opening of Thiruvambady airport was the need of the hour, given the bleak prospects of the Karipur international airport. “By 2019, the Karipur airport will be compelled to operate only domestic flights with the stringent licensing norms of the AAI. An alternative arrangement is needed for the people of Malabar to tide over the crisis,” he added.
MDC vice president and Wayanad Chamber of Commerce chairman P. Johny said the realisation of a new airport at Thiruvambady would ensure better tourist connect with Wayanad district.
MDC leaders also appealed to the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of higher officials to discuss the project and draw the attention of the Union government. The development of Karipur airport would be a Herculean task and the government should consider the feasible alternative with immediate priority, they demanded.
