Kerala   

Private airlines make a beeline for capital airport

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

A boost to tourist arrivals to the southern districts of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The decision of major domestic airlines to commence flight operations to the international airport here from next month will improve air connectivity between Kerala's capital and metropolitan cities in the country. It will also provide better options for the travellers to choose among different airline and boost tourist arrivals to the southern districts of the State in a big way.

Jet Airways has already announced daily flights to Chennai and Bangalore from February 1. The flight to Chennai is expected to depart from Thiruvananthapuram international airport at 12.15 p.m. and reach Chennai at 1.50 p.m. The flight to Bangalore will depart from here at 4.35 p.m. and reach the garden city at 6.05 p.m. Airport sources said the airline was to operate ATR aircraft which can accommodate 84 passengers.

Air Deccan has plans to commence daily flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai and Bangalore from February first week.

Although the airline has already sold tickets in the two busy sectors, the formal clearance has not been given to commence flights in the sector.

Airport sources said the airline would be given the space to set up office in the airport terminal only after the formal clearance is granted.

King Fisher is another airline which is keen to operate flights to the State capital. The airline has already approached the authorities for clearance. GoAir, another airline, which has made its presence felt in the western region, has already obtained clearance for commencing flights from Thiruvananthapuram.

With the commencement of flights by various airlines in February and March, those proceeding to New Delhi and Mumbai will not have to depend anymore on the direct flights of Indian, Air-India or Jet Airways to Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Lack of direct flights and high fares are the main impediments faced by tourists in coming down from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai to the city.

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