Expectations of resumption of flight services from Puducherry have taken wing with two operators evincing interest in launching services from here.
“We held discussions with Pawan Hans and Alliance Air on starting air services from the Puducherry Airport on Thursday. Based on the discussions, they will be submitting proposals to the government by the end of this month. Both the operators have evinced keen interest in starting services and a decision will be taken by the government accordingly,” W.V.R. Murthy, Secretary to Tourism told The Hindu .
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy held discussions with the officials of the two carriers on the commercial prospects and viability of operating flights from Puducherry. P. Rajavelu, Tourism Minister ; Anil Mehta, Executive Director, Alliance; Mohan, Administrative Officer, Air India, participated.
Originally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in June 2007 with the AAI for developing the airport in two phases to operate ATR type aircrafts. After completion of first phase expansion of runway work and terminal building, SpiceJet Airlines started operation of its Bombardier aircraft from January 2013 and stopped the operation in February 2014.
Official sources said the territorial administration had persuaded the Tamil Nadu government to make available the required land in Vanur in Villupuram district to make the airport functional.
The government has proposed to extend the runway by an additional 1,100 metres by acquiring the land in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
