As part of the measures taken to operate more flights to Coimbatore, opportunities will be explored under the bilateral agreements with various countries and talks will be initiated with the authorities in these countries, Secretary for Civil Aviation R.N. Choubey said.
“Industry representatives have sought connectivity to Dubai, Colombo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur,” he said. International air connectivity is finalised based on demand from people and ensuring that interest of the domestic airlines also is protected.
After inspecting the Coimbatore International Airport here and conducting a review meeting on Saturday, the Secretary said that it had been discussed in detail to carry out facelift work at the facility at a cost of more than Rs. 4 crore. The works were expected to be completed in a year. Expressing confidence that land acquisition for airport expansion would be completed in a year, he said that the new terminal building would be built in the next three years.
President of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, D. Nandakumar submitted a memorandum to the Secretary seeking direct air connectivity from the city to Dubai on a priority basis. “Connectivity to Dubai will enable connectivity to the rest of the world (from Dubai),” he said.
Mr. Nandakumar told The Hindu that two flights could be operated everyday from Coimbatore to Colombo by reviving connectivity to that destination, as the route would be of use to passengers and cargo transportation. According to him, cargo from Coimbatore to Colombo is by road to the Tiruchi, Madurai or Chennai airports and flown to Colombo.
In addition to the existing Silk Air flight operated four days a week, there was scope to operate more flights to Singapore, he said.
The Chamber had written to the chairmen of various airline operators to start international operations from Coimbatore. This would benefit people of this region and the airlines, he said.
The Chamber also sought more direct domestic connectivity from Coimbatore airport to New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai. Mr. Nandakumar said that a representation in this connection was made to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju during his visit here in September and that the Minister and the Secretary had responded positively.
Industry representatives have sought connectivity to Dubai, Colombo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
