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Private airlines may fly to Agatti

A Correspondent

Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines have expressed interest, says Lakshadweep MP

NEDUMBASSERY: Passengers bound for Agatti might receive the service of private airlines other than the public sector Indian Airlines, which is currently the sole operator to the island, if the proposals on paper get implemented.

Pookunhikoya, Lakshadweep MP, said at the Nedumbassery airport that Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines had expressed keen interest in operating services to the island.

Written assurance

Besides this, the Civil Aviation Ministry had given written assurance to the effect that Indian Airlines would deploy an ATR aircraft in the Agatti sector once it procures an ATR, he said.

Mr. Pookunhikoya said that Air Deccan had agreed to operate services to Agatti on getting an assurance of 50 per cent occupancy for its flights.

The airline authorities sought such an assurance from the Lakshadweep administration, he said. As far as Kingfisher Airlines was concerned, nothing concrete has evolved as yet, he said.

IA service

Currently, a Dornier aircraft of Indian Airlines capable of carrying 12 passengers provided the sole air link to Agatti from the mainland.

A service is operated daily except on Sundays.

He said that the present fare of Rs. 7,070 is exorbitant which according to him was mainly owing to the limited carrying capacity of the Dornier.

He said that Air Deccan authorities had assured to operate the service at Rs. 2,800 using an ATR aircraft once the decks were cleared for the launch of the service.

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