Inadequate air connectivity from Coimbatore, especially at convenient timings, to destinations such as Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore, has upset a section of air-travellers and travel agents.
Flights are often operated at odd hours, thus resulting in the passengers being forced to plan a trip for more than a day.
The timings of flight services to Chennai and Bangalore at present are not in such a way that a person who leaves Coimbatore in the morning, could finish work and return by night.
Even for destinations such as New Delhi and Mumbai, the flights are not providing the much-required convenient connectivity.
Travel industry sources opined that majority of the airlines look at Coimbatore and other tier-two cities as their secondary operation. They operate services to places such as Coimbatore after their flights turn around from operating to metropolitan cities.
This actually resulted in flights being operated at inconvenient timings, thereby resulting in a major setback to business and official travellers.
For example, there are six flights a day on an average to Chennai but first flight to Chennai from Coimbatore is only at 10.40 a.m.
Coimbatore to Bangalore has a first flight at 8.20 a.m. but there are only two-services. Coimbatore – Mumbai/New Delhi has four flights but the first flight for the day is at 2 p.m. On some of these sections, cancellation of flight often left passengers stranded.
Aircraft movements
Despite 40 aircraft movements (20 landings and take offs), Coimbatore Airport with 14 per cent passenger movement and 10 to 12 per cent revenue growth continues, the airlines look at Coimbatore as a secondary destination, pointed out K. Peter Abraham, Airport Director.
