MANGALORE March 31: With the Kingfisher Airlines launching another flight between Mangalore and Bangalore on Sunday, the number of daily flights between the two cities has risen to six.
Of them, the Deccan (formerly Air Deccan) operates two flights, Kingfisher Airlines two and Jet Airways two.
The new flight launched by the Kingfisher Airlines departed from Bangalore at 6.30 a.m. and arrived here at 7.30 a.m. It took off from here at 8 a.m. and landed in Bangalore at 8.55 a.m., Kaustav Nath, Mangalore Airport Manager for Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and Deccan, told The Hindu. "The flight will maintain these schedules, henceforth," he said.
Mr. Nath said that the Kingfisher Airlines had changed the schedule of its evening daily flight between the two cities from Sunday. It would be arriving in Mangalore from Bangalore at 4.30 p.m. and departing at 5.10 p.m. "As per the changed schedule, it will depart from Bangalore at 7.30 p.m. and arrive here at 8.30 p.m. It will take off from here at 9 p.m. and reach Bangalore at 9.55 p.m. It is the last flight between the port city and the State capital city," he said.
He said that with the introduction of the early morning and late evening flights between the two cities, passengers could return to their home cities the same day, after completing their work. The timings of two flights of the Deccan between the two cities have also been revised from Sunday.
The first morning flight of the Deccan from Bangalore was hitherto arriving here at 9.20 a.m. and departing at 9.35 a.m. Now it will take off from Bangalore at 9 a.m. and land here at 10 a.m. It will depart from here at 10.25 a.m. and reach Bangalore at 11.25 a.m. Another evening flight operated from Deccan, which was arriving here at 4.55 p.m. and departing at 5.30 p.m., will henceforth depart from Bangalore at 4.30 p.m. and arrive here at 5.30 p.m. It will leave from here at 6 p.m. and reach Bangalore at 7 p.m.
Flight to Goa
Mr. Nath said that the Kingfisher Airlines had revised the schedule of its Kozhikode-Mangalore-Goa flight from Sunday. "It will arrive here from Kozhikode at 1.30 p.m. and depart to Goa at 2 p.m. It will land here from Goa at 4.30 p.m. and take off to Kozhikode at 5 p.m.," he said.
Hindu
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Progress & Process: Have a Look at New Terminal of Mangalore Airport
Progress & Process: Have a Look at New Terminal of Mangalore Airport
By Melka Miyar - Daijiworld Media Network
March 18, 2008Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
By Melka Miyar - Daijiworld Media Network
March 18, 2008Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network
Work on the new Mangalore International Airport terminal at Kenjar village here is fast gaining momentum and the airport is expected to commence operations on schedule. However, the lethargic attitude and laxity shown by the local authorities has been proving a hurdle for the overall development of the airport and its surrounding areas.
Work on the new Mangalore International Airport terminal at Kenjar village here is fast gaining momentum and the airport is expected to commence operations on schedule. However, the lethargic attitude and laxity shown by the local authorities has been proving a hurdle for the overall development of the airport and its surrounding areas.
Plans for the new project were actually put on paper in the year 1988. Now the terminal building is under construction and is expected to complete in December this year. Meanwhile, new plans for Calicut International Airport, the nearest airport to Mangalore, began four years later in 1992, and ironically, Calicut's world-class terminal building already started operating even before the same could happen in Mangalore. However, though Mangalore Airport lagged behind, time has come now to boom to a greater height.
The new airport terminal building under construction at Kenjar is expected to commission its work in March 2009, marking another milestone in the history of Mangalore International Airport. The construction work is going on in full swing, and it is easy to perceive from the speed of work that it is bound to complete in time.
There will be 28 check-in counters, several conveyor belts and inline security checking system. Five aerobridges (passage between the terminal and aircraft) will also be introduced.
A whole new world of opportunities opened to Mangaloreans with the commencement of the international airport. In the meantime, work was started to construct new taxiway and terminal building. The dynamism and zeal of present airport director M R Vasudeva has taken this airport to splendid heights in a short span of time. It is indeed a matter of great pride especially to a remote village like Kenjar to have a world-class airport in its vicinity.
Though world-class facilities are available at Calicut International Airport, it lacks domestic connection. But the case of Mangalore Airport is different. Unlike Calicut, Mangalore enjoys air connections with Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore. Therefore, Mangalore has a greater potential in terms of air traffic movement, say experts.
Mangalore is the only city in Karnataka to have such a sophisticated and well-equipped airport with international flights. Though it is tempting to pat ourselves on the back, there is still a long way to go. The construction of the concrete road connecting the city with the airport is moving on at snail's pace and the condition of the present road is pathetic to say the least.
'Most of my energy has gone into acquisition of land for the new terminal. It required a lot of patience to negotiate with the owners of these plots, listen to their pleas and arrange for compensation, thereby avoiding conflicts and protests. I am very happy for what I have achieved for the people of Mangalore. This could have been even better, if all the external agencies andthe local citizens had worked together hand in hand.'
'Now I have to concentrate more on completing the construction work of the new terminal before the scheduled time,' says Vasudeva.
Air Cargo Facility:
Meanwhile, all the possibilities of cargo export should be explored in the coming days. Only perishable goods, printed items and stationeries have been transported from Mangalore Airport to some parts of the country so far. Opportunities are now open at the global level and it is the right time to think about exporting cargo from Mangalore as the present airport at Bajpe will be left idle after the commission of the new airport, if sufficient cargo is not available.
Once the terminal is shifted to the new place, existing terminal will be used exclusively for cargo handling.
Already there are quite a number of leading shipping companies eyeing to set up base in Bajpe surroundings which is definitely a sign of progress. Even Gulf-based freight forward companies are planning to step on to Mangalore soil.
Apart from being used for the movement of cargo, it can be utilized for handling international flights during Haj pilgrimage, Vasudeva said. There is scope for `Flying Club' as well in the future.
Traffic Growth:
The growth in the air traffic in Mangalore also signifies that there is a bright prospect for development if the opportunities are explored strategically. In the year 2005, a total of 3,700 flights were recorded here and the number is expected to touch 8,600 this year. Meanwhile, the 483-meter-long taxiway constructed at a cost of Rs 3.7 crore is also ready for traffic now.
This has ensured more safety to the aircraft while saving fuel and time owing to the flexibility of operation. Also, 30% of the work related to the new integrated terminal building at an estimated cost Rs 147 crore has been completed and 70% of the work on the construction of apron and three remote parking stands is also over. This terminal will also include check-in counters, conveyor belts and inline security.
Moreover, space has been reserved for taxi parking right in front of the terminal building. The parking lot can accomodate a total of 300 taxis at a time. The basement of the terminal building has been reserved for commercial activities like shopping, cafeteria and flight ticketing while the ground floor has been reserved for airport activities. M R Vasudeva is hopeful of completing the basic structure of the terminal building by May this year and realizing the dream by March 2009.
Nevertheless, major responsibilities come later. Other agencies like state government, private investors, road transport owners and even railway department have to think of ways to explore the opportunities created by the new airport.
The growth in the air traffic in Mangalore also signifies that there is a bright prospect for development if the opportunities are explored strategically. In the year 2005, a total of 3,700 flights were recorded here and the number is expected to touch 8,600 this year. Meanwhile, the 483-meter-long taxiway constructed at a cost of Rs 3.7 crore is also ready for traffic now.
This has ensured more safety to the aircraft while saving fuel and time owing to the flexibility of operation. Also, 30% of the work related to the new integrated terminal building at an estimated cost Rs 147 crore has been completed and 70% of the work on the construction of apron and three remote parking stands is also over. This terminal will also include check-in counters, conveyor belts and inline security.
Moreover, space has been reserved for taxi parking right in front of the terminal building. The parking lot can accomodate a total of 300 taxis at a time. The basement of the terminal building has been reserved for commercial activities like shopping, cafeteria and flight ticketing while the ground floor has been reserved for airport activities. M R Vasudeva is hopeful of completing the basic structure of the terminal building by May this year and realizing the dream by March 2009.
Nevertheless, major responsibilities come later. Other agencies like state government, private investors, road transport owners and even railway department have to think of ways to explore the opportunities created by the new airport.
Flight to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia:
Thousands of NRIs who reside in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are demanding direct flight from Mangalore since the commencement of international airport at Bajpe.
The airport is all set to accept any international flight from Kuwait and Saudi Arabian airports. Nor are there any legal hurdles to commission direct flight between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Mangalore. But the ball is in Air India Express' court. It is a million dollar question as to when Air India Express will start direct flights between the three places.
Thousands of NRIs who reside in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are demanding direct flight from Mangalore since the commencement of international airport at Bajpe.
The airport is all set to accept any international flight from Kuwait and Saudi Arabian airports. Nor are there any legal hurdles to commission direct flight between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Mangalore. But the ball is in Air India Express' court. It is a million dollar question as to when Air India Express will start direct flights between the three places.
Air India Express' Concern:
Since AI Express is a budget airline, it can fly for maximum 4.5 hrs. The distant between Kuwait - Mangalore and Saudi Arabia Airport - Mangalore would be more than its capacity. Unless new aircraft are acquired, Air India Express cannot start direct flights between these territories. However, there are possibilities of connecting Kuwait - Abu Dhabi or Kuwait - Muscat - Mangalore. Air India Express is also facing a crisis regarding pilots and quite a few pilots hired by AI Express are foreigners.
According to sources, Jet Airways is trying hard to enter the Kuwait - Mangalore and Dammam - Mangalore sector, but none of the top officials are confirming this news, but say 'Be positive, we will come there soon.'
Perhaps, once Air India - Indian Airline merger process completes this sector will have a clear way for introducing direct flights.
Until then let us cross our fingers and wait for the D-day.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
M'lore: Customer Satisfaction Index of Bajpe Airport Rises
The Hindu
MANGALORE, Jan 29: Even as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has added new infrastructure facilities at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport during the last three years, the customers have ranked this airport high in providing services.
As per a customer satisfaction survey of airports by an agency for the AAI, Mangalore Airport has scored the highest ranking in the customer satisfaction index among domestic airports in South India.
The survey covered different aspects of an airport. It included attitude of AAI employees, the police and other security personnel, cleanliness at the airport and general aesthetics, drinking water facilities, guidance signage, flight information system, audio system and quality of trolley services. It also studied other facilities such as car parking, ATM service, post office, illumination, bookstall and other working conditions at the airport.
The survey by the Delhi-based Spectrum Planning (India) Ltd. has said that the customer satisfaction index of Mangalore airport had gone up from 75 per cent to 81 per cent between early 2007 and late 2007.
The first round of survey was conducted between February and April 2007 and the second between August and October.
Among the domestic airports of AAI in South India, Mangalore airport has scored the highest customer satisfaction index, M.R. Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport, told The Hindu.
The agency interviewed 653 customers during the survey. Of them, 284 people were departing passengers and 234 arriving.
As many as 110 visitors to the airport, 11 concessionaries such as shopkeepers and employees of restaurants at the airport, personnel of seven aircraft operators and seven regulatory authorities were also interviewed.
Facilities
The AAI had built a new air-conditioned arrival hall and extended its departure hall to handle at least 250 passengers at a time at both the halls, last year. Introduction of round-the-clock air traffic services for over flying aircraft, setting up of category I Instrument Landing System (ILS) facility, laying a concrete runway (second one) in addition to the bituminous old run way, opening the airport for flight services to West Asia, converting the airport to a profit earning entity, and introduction exchange facility (by a private agency) are some of the major developments at the airport in the last three years. Aircraft operators introduced new flight services to Mumbai and Bangalore, including a late evening flight to Bangalore.
New flight services began to Goa, Kochi and Kozhikode.
A state-of-the art integrated terminal building and associated facilities are being built at the airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 147 crores.
MANGALORE, Jan 29: Even as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has added new infrastructure facilities at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport during the last three years, the customers have ranked this airport high in providing services.
As per a customer satisfaction survey of airports by an agency for the AAI, Mangalore Airport has scored the highest ranking in the customer satisfaction index among domestic airports in South India.
The survey covered different aspects of an airport. It included attitude of AAI employees, the police and other security personnel, cleanliness at the airport and general aesthetics, drinking water facilities, guidance signage, flight information system, audio system and quality of trolley services. It also studied other facilities such as car parking, ATM service, post office, illumination, bookstall and other working conditions at the airport.
The survey by the Delhi-based Spectrum Planning (India) Ltd. has said that the customer satisfaction index of Mangalore airport had gone up from 75 per cent to 81 per cent between early 2007 and late 2007.
The first round of survey was conducted between February and April 2007 and the second between August and October.
Among the domestic airports of AAI in South India, Mangalore airport has scored the highest customer satisfaction index, M.R. Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport, told The Hindu.
The agency interviewed 653 customers during the survey. Of them, 284 people were departing passengers and 234 arriving.
As many as 110 visitors to the airport, 11 concessionaries such as shopkeepers and employees of restaurants at the airport, personnel of seven aircraft operators and seven regulatory authorities were also interviewed.
Facilities
The AAI had built a new air-conditioned arrival hall and extended its departure hall to handle at least 250 passengers at a time at both the halls, last year. Introduction of round-the-clock air traffic services for over flying aircraft, setting up of category I Instrument Landing System (ILS) facility, laying a concrete runway (second one) in addition to the bituminous old run way, opening the airport for flight services to West Asia, converting the airport to a profit earning entity, and introduction exchange facility (by a private agency) are some of the major developments at the airport in the last three years. Aircraft operators introduced new flight services to Mumbai and Bangalore, including a late evening flight to Bangalore.
New flight services began to Goa, Kochi and Kozhikode.
A state-of-the art integrated terminal building and associated facilities are being built at the airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 147 crores.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Railway station near Bajpe Airport to be pursued with Railways
The Hindu
MANGALORE Jan 25: The Dakshina Kannada district administration will take up the issue of constructing a railway station at Porkodi near Bajpe Airport with the Southern Railway, district in-charge secretary Bharatlal Meena has said. "Deputy Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao will write to the railway authorities in this regard soon and the State Government will pursue the matter with them," he added.
Briefing presspersons after reviewing the development activities here on Thursday, Mr. Meena said the meeting had considered a request from Airports Authority of India to acquire 55 acres of land for a parallel taxiway and an additional 80 acres to extend the new runway at Bajpe.
"The State Government will meet the cost of land acquisition," Mr. Meena said and added that he would take up the matter with the Infrastructure Department.
Rangamandira
Stating that contractors had not come forward to bid for the construction of Rangamandira at Kadri, Mr. Meena said, "The last date for submitting the bids is January 28. If the impasse continues, the administration may well entrust the task to Karnataka Land Army Corporation."
The engineering division of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat had extended the last date to submit bids for the project four times.
Vented dam
On the second vented dam at Thumbay to meet the drinking water needs of residents of Mangalore, he said Mr. Rao was in touch with the Urban Development Department in that regard. The Karnataka Power Corporation might be asked to construct the dam with the corporation and State Government sharing its estimated cost of Rs. 40 crore equally.
Action plan would be prepared for the rail over-bridges or under-bridges at various locations, including one each at Padil and Jeppu.
The administration had brought the matter to the notice of the Principal Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Mr. Meena said.
Stating that he would take it up with the Railway Ministry, he expressed confidence about the Ministry clearing the proposals.
The Mangalore Urban Development Authority and Mangalore City Corporation would identify the locations for commercial complexes at Hampankatta, Urwa Stores and Urwa Market, Mr. Meena said.
Drinking water
Mr. Rao said the corporation would shortly float expression of interest for the projects to be taken up on a public-private partnership basis. This would help these bodies earn a regular income through the venture, he said.
Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd. had been directed to energise all drinking water projects on priority in view of the impending summer.
In addition, taluks had been told to submit action plans to address water scarcity problem during summer.
Their demands would be projected to the Government for sanctioning additional funds, he said.
Demand for water transportation in certain places through tanker would be considered on priority, he added.
Training for youth
The administration was in touch with the Director of Employment Training to provide vocational education to unemployed youth in the district, Mr. Meena said. "We are contemplating on using the funds from the Ministry of NRI Affairs for training youth who want to work abroad. Steps will be taken to harness the potential of Industrial Training Institutes in providing the training for youth. It will enable the youth to build their career," he added.
MANGALORE Jan 25: The Dakshina Kannada district administration will take up the issue of constructing a railway station at Porkodi near Bajpe Airport with the Southern Railway, district in-charge secretary Bharatlal Meena has said. "Deputy Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao will write to the railway authorities in this regard soon and the State Government will pursue the matter with them," he added.
Briefing presspersons after reviewing the development activities here on Thursday, Mr. Meena said the meeting had considered a request from Airports Authority of India to acquire 55 acres of land for a parallel taxiway and an additional 80 acres to extend the new runway at Bajpe.
"The State Government will meet the cost of land acquisition," Mr. Meena said and added that he would take up the matter with the Infrastructure Department.
Rangamandira
Stating that contractors had not come forward to bid for the construction of Rangamandira at Kadri, Mr. Meena said, "The last date for submitting the bids is January 28. If the impasse continues, the administration may well entrust the task to Karnataka Land Army Corporation."
The engineering division of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat had extended the last date to submit bids for the project four times.
Vented dam
On the second vented dam at Thumbay to meet the drinking water needs of residents of Mangalore, he said Mr. Rao was in touch with the Urban Development Department in that regard. The Karnataka Power Corporation might be asked to construct the dam with the corporation and State Government sharing its estimated cost of Rs. 40 crore equally.
Action plan would be prepared for the rail over-bridges or under-bridges at various locations, including one each at Padil and Jeppu.
The administration had brought the matter to the notice of the Principal Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Mr. Meena said.
Stating that he would take it up with the Railway Ministry, he expressed confidence about the Ministry clearing the proposals.
The Mangalore Urban Development Authority and Mangalore City Corporation would identify the locations for commercial complexes at Hampankatta, Urwa Stores and Urwa Market, Mr. Meena said.
Drinking water
Mr. Rao said the corporation would shortly float expression of interest for the projects to be taken up on a public-private partnership basis. This would help these bodies earn a regular income through the venture, he said.
Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd. had been directed to energise all drinking water projects on priority in view of the impending summer.
In addition, taluks had been told to submit action plans to address water scarcity problem during summer.
Their demands would be projected to the Government for sanctioning additional funds, he said.
Demand for water transportation in certain places through tanker would be considered on priority, he added.
Training for youth
The administration was in touch with the Director of Employment Training to provide vocational education to unemployed youth in the district, Mr. Meena said. "We are contemplating on using the funds from the Ministry of NRI Affairs for training youth who want to work abroad. Steps will be taken to harness the potential of Industrial Training Institutes in providing the training for youth. It will enable the youth to build their career," he added.
M'lore: Setting up of Cargo Terminal at Bajpe Airport in Limbo
Indian Express
MANGALORE, Jan 24: The Mangalore Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Customs department are in a fix over the setting up of a cargo terminal at the Airport.
The AAI has proposed to establish the cargo terminal at the existing airport once the construction of a new terminal near Kenjar completes.
But unless the Customs department utilises provisions under section 8 of Customs Act 1962, AAI will not be able to handle any cargo from Mangalore Airport for international destination.
The ball is now in court of the Customs department and has to declare the airport as Customs Airport for handling of cargo, sources stress.
But the Customs department insists that the AAI has to undertake custodianship for cargo clearance. Incidentally, AAI has no provision to undertake custodianship.
Under `Customs Law Manual’, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is the final authority to approve Cargo Terminal for an airport in India.
Mangalore Airport Director M R Vasudeva told this website that he would discuss the issue with Chief Commissioner of Customs, Heera Radhakrishnan, who will be in the city to participate in the International Customs Day celebrations.
Many agencies, he informed, had come forward to undertake the cargo handling agency in the Mangalore Airport. The cargo terminal would be functional once an approval is obtained from Customs, Vasudev added.
Unless the Customs department declares Mangalore airport as `customs aerodrome’ that handles cargo, tenders cannot be invited. Hence, clearance from the Customs department is awaited for the realisation of the project.
Meanwhile, Customs faces an acute shortage of staff to manage the cargo terminal duty.
MANGALORE, Jan 24: The Mangalore Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Customs department are in a fix over the setting up of a cargo terminal at the Airport.
The AAI has proposed to establish the cargo terminal at the existing airport once the construction of a new terminal near Kenjar completes.
But unless the Customs department utilises provisions under section 8 of Customs Act 1962, AAI will not be able to handle any cargo from Mangalore Airport for international destination.
The ball is now in court of the Customs department and has to declare the airport as Customs Airport for handling of cargo, sources stress.
But the Customs department insists that the AAI has to undertake custodianship for cargo clearance. Incidentally, AAI has no provision to undertake custodianship.
Under `Customs Law Manual’, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is the final authority to approve Cargo Terminal for an airport in India.
Mangalore Airport Director M R Vasudeva told this website that he would discuss the issue with Chief Commissioner of Customs, Heera Radhakrishnan, who will be in the city to participate in the International Customs Day celebrations.
Many agencies, he informed, had come forward to undertake the cargo handling agency in the Mangalore Airport. The cargo terminal would be functional once an approval is obtained from Customs, Vasudev added.
Unless the Customs department declares Mangalore airport as `customs aerodrome’ that handles cargo, tenders cannot be invited. Hence, clearance from the Customs department is awaited for the realisation of the project.
Meanwhile, Customs faces an acute shortage of staff to manage the cargo terminal duty.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Big increase in air passenger traffic in 2007
Raviprasad Kamila
6.75 lakh passengers used the airport last year
MANGALORE: Bajpe (Mangalore) Airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received a shot in the arm as the passenger traffic at the airport increased by 2.35 lakh in 2007. This was the first time ever that the passenger traffic increased so hugely in one year.
In all, 6.75 lakh passengers used this airport between January and December 2007 compared to 4.39 lakh passengers in 2006. M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, attributed the growth in traffic to increase in the number of international and domestic flights last year. Of those who travelled through the airport last year, 20 per cent were international passengers, he said.
Of the passenger traffic handled by the airport last year, 5.36 lakh were domestic passengers and 1.38 lakh international passengers.
According to a study, the number of passengers who arrived at the airport in 2007 was 3.35 lakh against 2.13 lakh in the previous year. As many as 3.39 lakh passengers flew from here in 2007 against 2.26 lakh in 2006. Mr. Vasudeva said: “This may be because passengers from West Asia fly directly to Mangalore from places such as Dubai, Abudhabi, Muscat and Bahrain. While returning, some of them fly through Mumbai. “This is one of the reasons for more number of arrivals,” he said.A study of annual passenger traffic between 1998 and 2007 reveals that the number of passengers arriving at the airport was always more than those flying back from here. For example, in 1998, 1.15 lakh passengers arrived and 1.05 lakh passengers departed from here. In 2004, 1.36 lakh arrived and 1.27 lakh departed, and in 2005, 1.43 lakh arrived and 1.33 lakh departed from the airport.Morning flight soon
Sources at the airport said that a private operator who had planned to operate a late evening flight between Mangalore and Bangalore had dropped the proposal. Instead, the same operator was planning to introduce an early morning flight between the two cities.
6.75 lakh passengers used the airport last year
MANGALORE: Bajpe (Mangalore) Airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received a shot in the arm as the passenger traffic at the airport increased by 2.35 lakh in 2007. This was the first time ever that the passenger traffic increased so hugely in one year.
In all, 6.75 lakh passengers used this airport between January and December 2007 compared to 4.39 lakh passengers in 2006. M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, attributed the growth in traffic to increase in the number of international and domestic flights last year. Of those who travelled through the airport last year, 20 per cent were international passengers, he said.
Of the passenger traffic handled by the airport last year, 5.36 lakh were domestic passengers and 1.38 lakh international passengers.
According to a study, the number of passengers who arrived at the airport in 2007 was 3.35 lakh against 2.13 lakh in the previous year. As many as 3.39 lakh passengers flew from here in 2007 against 2.26 lakh in 2006. Mr. Vasudeva said: “This may be because passengers from West Asia fly directly to Mangalore from places such as Dubai, Abudhabi, Muscat and Bahrain. While returning, some of them fly through Mumbai. “This is one of the reasons for more number of arrivals,” he said.A study of annual passenger traffic between 1998 and 2007 reveals that the number of passengers arriving at the airport was always more than those flying back from here. For example, in 1998, 1.15 lakh passengers arrived and 1.05 lakh passengers departed from here. In 2004, 1.36 lakh arrived and 1.27 lakh departed, and in 2005, 1.43 lakh arrived and 1.33 lakh departed from the airport.Morning flight soon
Sources at the airport said that a private operator who had planned to operate a late evening flight between Mangalore and Bangalore had dropped the proposal. Instead, the same operator was planning to introduce an early morning flight between the two cities.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Mangalore: State Government Recommends Intl Status for Bajpe Airport
Mangalore: State Government Recommends Intl Status for Bajpe Airport
The Hindu
MANGALORE, Dec 3 2009 : Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao said here on Monday that the State Government will take steps to send a proposal to the Union Government recommending international airport status to Mangalore airport. Mangalore airport is a domestic customs airport.
He was replying to queries from presspersons at Kenjar where the Airports Authority of India is building an integrated terminal building for Mangalore airport. Earlier, Rao inspected ongoing work at the terminal building.
Rao said that he was not aware of the fact that the State Government was yet to send the proposal to the Union Government. “I will take it up with the Civil Aviation Secretary after completing the formalities,” he said.
About the slow pace of work to lay a road to the new terminal building by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation, he said: “We will take care of it.”
Rao said that the airport officials too had brought this to his notice. They told him that the new terminal building was expected to be ready by February next. If the connecting road was not ready by then, it will create problem.
The Chief Secretary said that he was aware of the importance of road connectivity to the new terminal building as a similar situation existed in Bangalore before the international airport at Devanahalli was inaugurated.
M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, briefed him about the ongoing work. The director said that about 70 per cent of the work had been completed.
Meantime, Daijiworld has learnt from reliable sources, that the transfer of the airport director Vasudeva Rao has been temporarily put on hold. Rao is expected to continue as the director without promotion, till the new airport terminal becomes operational.
It may be recalled, that Vasudeva Rao was promoted as the general manager and posted to Coimbatore International Airport sometime back.
The Hindu
MANGALORE, Dec 3 2009 : Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao said here on Monday that the State Government will take steps to send a proposal to the Union Government recommending international airport status to Mangalore airport. Mangalore airport is a domestic customs airport.
He was replying to queries from presspersons at Kenjar where the Airports Authority of India is building an integrated terminal building for Mangalore airport. Earlier, Rao inspected ongoing work at the terminal building.
Rao said that he was not aware of the fact that the State Government was yet to send the proposal to the Union Government. “I will take it up with the Civil Aviation Secretary after completing the formalities,” he said.
About the slow pace of work to lay a road to the new terminal building by the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation, he said: “We will take care of it.”
Rao said that the airport officials too had brought this to his notice. They told him that the new terminal building was expected to be ready by February next. If the connecting road was not ready by then, it will create problem.
The Chief Secretary said that he was aware of the importance of road connectivity to the new terminal building as a similar situation existed in Bangalore before the international airport at Devanahalli was inaugurated.
M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, briefed him about the ongoing work. The director said that about 70 per cent of the work had been completed.
Meantime, Daijiworld has learnt from reliable sources, that the transfer of the airport director Vasudeva Rao has been temporarily put on hold. Rao is expected to continue as the director without promotion, till the new airport terminal becomes operational.
It may be recalled, that Vasudeva Rao was promoted as the general manager and posted to Coimbatore International Airport sometime back.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
AAI studies feasibility of runway expansion
The Hindu -Raviprasad Kamila
Bajpe airport cannot accommodate large planes such as the Airbus 300 and the Boeing 747SP
MANGALORE 26 Dec : Will Bajpe (Mangalore) airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) be able to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus 300 and the Boeing 747SP in the near future? Presently it is not possible as the existing main runway has to be expanded if those aircraft are to be operated. But it is not a Herculean task, provided the State Government takes immediate measures to fill up a 75-ft valley on the eastern and western sides of the main runway and hands over the land to the AAI. The AAI is keen on expanding the runway, and a team of senior AAI officials, headed by Asha Ram, Executive Director, Aviation Safety, AAI, Delhi, arrived here on Wednesday to study the proposal and make an analysis of the risks involved. The team members discussed the aspects related to it with M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, pilots and other section heads at the airport. Though the AAI has taken the initiative to expand the runway, the State Government has to ensure that the valley is filled up and the land handed over the AAI.
Sources in the AAI said that at present the length of the main runway is 2,450 metres. Its length had to be extended at least by 350 metres to take the total length to 2,800 metres and more. The portion on the eastern side of the runway had to be extended by 250 metres and the one on the western side by 100 metres.
To operate the Boeing 747SP, the length of the runway should be 2,710 metres. The Airbus 330-200 requires a runway length of 2,700 metres. These larger aircraft could take off with a restricted load of 340 tonnes. The Bajpe airport now handles aircraft such as the Airbus 310 and the Boeing 737, which can take off with a load of 165 tonnes. Cargo flights and larger passenger planes can operate from here if the length of the runway is extended. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ram said that the Area Control Centre at the Bajpe airport started providing air traffic services for 24 hours to over flying flights two years ago. This was an important milestone in the development of the airport and safety aspects of aircraft. With this, pilots could fly with more confidence and safety. These air traffic services could be availed of even up to Mumbai. Earlier, the services were restricted to 13 hours. Earlier, Mr. Ram inaugurated the expanded departure hall at the airport which can accommodate 250 passengers at a time.
Bajpe airport cannot accommodate large planes such as the Airbus 300 and the Boeing 747SP
MANGALORE 26 Dec : Will Bajpe (Mangalore) airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) be able to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus 300 and the Boeing 747SP in the near future? Presently it is not possible as the existing main runway has to be expanded if those aircraft are to be operated. But it is not a Herculean task, provided the State Government takes immediate measures to fill up a 75-ft valley on the eastern and western sides of the main runway and hands over the land to the AAI. The AAI is keen on expanding the runway, and a team of senior AAI officials, headed by Asha Ram, Executive Director, Aviation Safety, AAI, Delhi, arrived here on Wednesday to study the proposal and make an analysis of the risks involved. The team members discussed the aspects related to it with M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, pilots and other section heads at the airport. Though the AAI has taken the initiative to expand the runway, the State Government has to ensure that the valley is filled up and the land handed over the AAI.
Sources in the AAI said that at present the length of the main runway is 2,450 metres. Its length had to be extended at least by 350 metres to take the total length to 2,800 metres and more. The portion on the eastern side of the runway had to be extended by 250 metres and the one on the western side by 100 metres.
To operate the Boeing 747SP, the length of the runway should be 2,710 metres. The Airbus 330-200 requires a runway length of 2,700 metres. These larger aircraft could take off with a restricted load of 340 tonnes. The Bajpe airport now handles aircraft such as the Airbus 310 and the Boeing 737, which can take off with a load of 165 tonnes. Cargo flights and larger passenger planes can operate from here if the length of the runway is extended. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ram said that the Area Control Centre at the Bajpe airport started providing air traffic services for 24 hours to over flying flights two years ago. This was an important milestone in the development of the airport and safety aspects of aircraft. With this, pilots could fly with more confidence and safety. These air traffic services could be availed of even up to Mumbai. Earlier, the services were restricted to 13 hours. Earlier, Mr. Ram inaugurated the expanded departure hall at the airport which can accommodate 250 passengers at a time.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Mangalore: Deccan Aviation to Start International Flight from Bajpe Next Year
Mangalore: Deccan Aviation to Start International Flight from Bajpe Next Year
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/NR)Pic - Ganesh S Perla
Mangalore, Nov 17: The Deccan Aviation Company will be starting an international flight from Mangalore international airport in 2008, informed Captain G R Gopinath, executive chairman of the company.
Delivering a talk on the topic ‘Opportunities and challenges in aviation industry,’ at Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) office here on Friday November 16 evening, he disclosed the above information. However, he did not say anything about the destination point.
Going back to his earlier days of struggle, he said that, when he had left the defence services, he had just Rs 6,380 which he got as gratuity. He also mentioned about how much he had to struggle in his life after that point. However, he firmly opined that one’s goals could be achieved if a person has commitment, passion and clear vision.
In his speech Captain Gopinath observed that he found billions of hungry consumers around him and he often thought about them. According to him the men on the street are regularly purchasing TV, fridge and other consumer items. However, when it comes to air tickets they were not buying any air ticket, owing to exorbitant rates. Hence, he thought of introducing this cheapest air service especially for the middle class people, he pointed out.
“Linking small towns to big capital cities is essential to increase the total air traffic segment. It is for this reason Deccan then introduced air services to smaller towns. With this in view, Deccan purchased several aircrafts within a few years what Indian Airlines could achieve in 50 years,” he proudly declared.
India and China are representing the dreams and future prospects of the world. India is today within range of such infinite possibilities. The country too is aspiring for such possibilities and this in turn has helped Deccan to achieve a lot to a large extent. Hence in this context he proudly predicted that the country is heading for a “Golden Age”
On the occasion Gopinath was felicitated by Ananthakrishna, chairman of Karnataka Bank, on behalf of KCCI. Ananthakrishna said that a person who takes unconventional decisions is always a successful person. According to him, Captain Gopinath took such unconventional decisions and achieved success in his work. He ensured that, a person from the agricultural field also can fly in aircraft. Nowhere in any other part of the country this kind of attempt has been made, Ananthakrisha eulogized about Captain Gopinath.
KCCI president Kumble Narasinha Prabhu, office-bearers Ahmed Bava, Shrinivas S Kamath, Shekhar Poojary and Mohandas Prabhu were present on the dais.
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/NR)Pic - Ganesh S Perla
Mangalore, Nov 17: The Deccan Aviation Company will be starting an international flight from Mangalore international airport in 2008, informed Captain G R Gopinath, executive chairman of the company.
Delivering a talk on the topic ‘Opportunities and challenges in aviation industry,’ at Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) office here on Friday November 16 evening, he disclosed the above information. However, he did not say anything about the destination point.
Going back to his earlier days of struggle, he said that, when he had left the defence services, he had just Rs 6,380 which he got as gratuity. He also mentioned about how much he had to struggle in his life after that point. However, he firmly opined that one’s goals could be achieved if a person has commitment, passion and clear vision.
In his speech Captain Gopinath observed that he found billions of hungry consumers around him and he often thought about them. According to him the men on the street are regularly purchasing TV, fridge and other consumer items. However, when it comes to air tickets they were not buying any air ticket, owing to exorbitant rates. Hence, he thought of introducing this cheapest air service especially for the middle class people, he pointed out.
“Linking small towns to big capital cities is essential to increase the total air traffic segment. It is for this reason Deccan then introduced air services to smaller towns. With this in view, Deccan purchased several aircrafts within a few years what Indian Airlines could achieve in 50 years,” he proudly declared.
India and China are representing the dreams and future prospects of the world. India is today within range of such infinite possibilities. The country too is aspiring for such possibilities and this in turn has helped Deccan to achieve a lot to a large extent. Hence in this context he proudly predicted that the country is heading for a “Golden Age”
On the occasion Gopinath was felicitated by Ananthakrishna, chairman of Karnataka Bank, on behalf of KCCI. Ananthakrishna said that a person who takes unconventional decisions is always a successful person. According to him, Captain Gopinath took such unconventional decisions and achieved success in his work. He ensured that, a person from the agricultural field also can fly in aircraft. Nowhere in any other part of the country this kind of attempt has been made, Ananthakrisha eulogized about Captain Gopinath.
KCCI president Kumble Narasinha Prabhu, office-bearers Ahmed Bava, Shrinivas S Kamath, Shekhar Poojary and Mohandas Prabhu were present on the dais.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Mangalore: Non Arrival of Flight Irks Passengers at Bajpe Airport
Mangalore: Non-arrival of Flight Irks Passengers at Bajpe Airport
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KD/NR)
Mangalore, Nov 13: Due to the non-arrival of the flight, passengers of Mangalore-Dubai flight vented out their ire against the Air India Express staff at Bajpe airport here on Monday, November 12.
For some time there was a tense situation prevailing at the air port premises. However the authorities concerned including the airport director M R Vasudeva quickly took matters in hand and intervened, thereby bringing the tense situation under control.
Vasudeva informed about the reason for delay in the said flight. According to him the flight was scheduled to arrive at 11:15 am from Calicut and expected to leave for Dubai at 12:00 pm, but then it was held up in Abu Dhabi following a technical snag. Hence this rendered the pilot helpless to remedy the situation.
As regards the delay in the flight arrival, this matter was informed to a few passengers but the remaining 75 passengers were not informed that the flight will not be arriving on Monday, leaving them in a lurch.
Vasudeva clarified that the authorities concerned had made all necessary arrangements for the passengers to stay in a hotel and had also paid a sum of Rs 1000 each to the uninformed 75 passengers as compensation.
However, the major grouse of the passengers was that they were not informed in advance, thereby causing a great deal of inconvenience for them.
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (KD/NR)
Mangalore, Nov 13: Due to the non-arrival of the flight, passengers of Mangalore-Dubai flight vented out their ire against the Air India Express staff at Bajpe airport here on Monday, November 12.
For some time there was a tense situation prevailing at the air port premises. However the authorities concerned including the airport director M R Vasudeva quickly took matters in hand and intervened, thereby bringing the tense situation under control.
Vasudeva informed about the reason for delay in the said flight. According to him the flight was scheduled to arrive at 11:15 am from Calicut and expected to leave for Dubai at 12:00 pm, but then it was held up in Abu Dhabi following a technical snag. Hence this rendered the pilot helpless to remedy the situation.
As regards the delay in the flight arrival, this matter was informed to a few passengers but the remaining 75 passengers were not informed that the flight will not be arriving on Monday, leaving them in a lurch.
Vasudeva clarified that the authorities concerned had made all necessary arrangements for the passengers to stay in a hotel and had also paid a sum of Rs 1000 each to the uninformed 75 passengers as compensation.
However, the major grouse of the passengers was that they were not informed in advance, thereby causing a great deal of inconvenience for them.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Airport New Terminal Building Ready by April 2009
The Hindu
Mangalore, Nov 10: The additional premises of Mangalore Airport at Kenjar comprising new runway and terminal building will be completely functional by April 2009, said Transport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Parliamentary Standing Committee Member B Janardhana Poojary.
“As per contract, the works of terminal building will be completed by September 2008. Later, the offices of various aviation companies will also be shifted to the new premises. Thus, the new set up will be totally commissioned by April 2009,” he stated.
Poojary, who is also the member of Rajya Sabha, visited the airport on Friday and inspected the progress of the ongoing constructions. “About 35 per cent of the total construction has been over. A sum of Rs 55 crore has been spent for the new runway. Besides runway, the total project expenditure is Rs 147 crore,” he stated.
The upgradation works of the entire airport will cost Rs 210 crore. If a new proposal is sent for additional amount apart from the already sanctioned money (Rs 147 crore), that will also be provided. There is no scarcity of finance, he noted.
Nearer to Mangalore
The new Integrated Passenger Terminal Building being built at Kenjar for the past 4 months is about 16 km away from the City. The present Bajpe airport is at a distance of 8 km from this new set up. Thus, airport facility will be further nearer to the customers in the days to come. The new runway is 8,038 ft in length; 150 ft in width. The old runway is of 5,330 ft length. There will be 28 check-in counters in the new terminal building.
The State government has owned the responsibility of rehabilitating the displaced as a result of the new project. Most of the residents have already shifted. But there are still 20 families, out of whom many have agreed to be shifted. The set us is being laid in an area of 40 acres. If car parking space included, it will be 70 acres. The overall area to be used for the airport is 47,000 sq km Poojary explained.
Airport Director M R Vasudeva said the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest has just given green signal for the new set up just two days back. He said the present airport at Bajpe will be used for cargo movement, landing and take off of corporate and small flights.
Poojary expressed his satisfaction towards the speed in which the total project is progressing.
Mangalore, Nov 10: The additional premises of Mangalore Airport at Kenjar comprising new runway and terminal building will be completely functional by April 2009, said Transport, Civil Aviation and Tourism Parliamentary Standing Committee Member B Janardhana Poojary.
“As per contract, the works of terminal building will be completed by September 2008. Later, the offices of various aviation companies will also be shifted to the new premises. Thus, the new set up will be totally commissioned by April 2009,” he stated.
Poojary, who is also the member of Rajya Sabha, visited the airport on Friday and inspected the progress of the ongoing constructions. “About 35 per cent of the total construction has been over. A sum of Rs 55 crore has been spent for the new runway. Besides runway, the total project expenditure is Rs 147 crore,” he stated.
The upgradation works of the entire airport will cost Rs 210 crore. If a new proposal is sent for additional amount apart from the already sanctioned money (Rs 147 crore), that will also be provided. There is no scarcity of finance, he noted.
Nearer to Mangalore
The new Integrated Passenger Terminal Building being built at Kenjar for the past 4 months is about 16 km away from the City. The present Bajpe airport is at a distance of 8 km from this new set up. Thus, airport facility will be further nearer to the customers in the days to come. The new runway is 8,038 ft in length; 150 ft in width. The old runway is of 5,330 ft length. There will be 28 check-in counters in the new terminal building.
The State government has owned the responsibility of rehabilitating the displaced as a result of the new project. Most of the residents have already shifted. But there are still 20 families, out of whom many have agreed to be shifted. The set us is being laid in an area of 40 acres. If car parking space included, it will be 70 acres. The overall area to be used for the airport is 47,000 sq km Poojary explained.
Airport Director M R Vasudeva said the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest has just given green signal for the new set up just two days back. He said the present airport at Bajpe will be used for cargo movement, landing and take off of corporate and small flights.
Poojary expressed his satisfaction towards the speed in which the total project is progressing.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
First Flight Anniversary: A Year since the Map of Mangalore Changed
Compiled by Melka Miyar - Pictures: Dayanand Kukkaje
October 3, 2007
720 international flights have landed in Bajpe Airport. Now the door is open for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from here. About 6 lac passengers have used this airport over the past one year. Out of these, around 1.07 lac are international passengers
It is the first anniversary celebration for all those who are enjoying the benefits of the landing of the first-ever international flight at Bajpe on October 3, 2006.
Mangaloreans back home and abroad were overwhelmed when the historic Air India Express touched the new runway at the airport on that momentous day. Thousands of people, including India's civil aviation minister Praful Patel and a number of other state and union ministers and top officials, had then welcomed the maiden flight's passengers at Bajpe.
A year has passed, with many milestones crossed since then, and the first flight heralded flights to many more destinations. Within five months, Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Mangalore connectivity was introduced, followed by Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore in the following month.
Moreover, on the economic front, Mangalore has seen tremendous growth, with an added advantage of an all-weather international sea-port. Huge investments in the pipeline, multinationals have set their food outlets, property prices shot up and lifestyle has changed. Many new players in commercial activities have shown interest in investing in Mangalore.
In a word, Mangalore has shown signs of a fasting-growing commercial hub of the nation. Except the pathetic roads, many things have shown progress in positive directions.
Air-borne good news
From October 28, 2007 Air India Express will be flying on a daily basis from Dubai to Mangalore.
There are other two destinations under immediate consideration by Air India express. The officials are very hopeful of Kuwait-Mangalore and Salalah-Mangalore flights being launched very soon.
The only destination left out is the Saudi Arabia sector. Pending execution of a bilateral agreement, this destination needs to wait for some more months, unless any private airline takes the initiative of grabbing the opportunity.
On account of the successful completion of the first year of operation, Air India Express COO Capt P P Singh, Mangalore Air India chief Ms Chellam Prasad and indeed Bajpe airport director M R Vasudeva, a Mangalorean and the architecht of tremendous development work, including the international flights, that all Mangaloreans would be proud of, spoke exclusively to daijiworld on this glorious achievement.
"Mangalore has been one of the major sectors for us..." - Captain PP Singh
Mangalore has been one of the major sectors for us. We had begun 3 flights from Dubai and later on we added two from Abu Dhabi-Muscat and another two from Doha-Bahrain.
In the past year, we have had more than 90 per cent load in the Dubai sector, around 80% on the Abu Dhabi-Muscat sector. Doha-Bahrain was not much of an encouraging sector, with around 65-70% load, but we are expecting a higher load factor this winter schedule.
Taking into account all this, we have planned to introduce daily flights to Dubai, 4 to Abu Dhabi-Muscat and 3 to Bahrain-Doha in the coming winter schedule, although we have not published this yet. We will include additional flights at the earliest.
P P singh added that the "latest development is that we have detached the Dubai flights from Amritsar-Delhi route, and instead linked it to Calicut, thereby solving the recurring problem of fog, which inconvenienced a large number of Mangaloreans with the resultant delays last winter. Since initially heavy pressure was exerted on us, we had no option but to introduce these flights from Delhi-based aircraftd because of limited aircraft that time. But now we have enough number of aircraft and we can think of new options.
Mangaloreans are lucky to have someone like Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum, who has been with us not only to start the operations to Mangalore but to bring in new destinations. His support and suggestions have helped us as an airline, since being in the avaition field, he is well-versed with everything. In accordance with his plea, we are going to introduce the Mangalore-Kuwait flight soon, which is yet another achievement for us. We are planning to operate flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
"It was a golden-lettered day....." - M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport
October3, 2006 was a day, which should be regarded as the golden letter day in the annals of the Mangalore Airport, says M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport.
"This is so because the first international flight landed here on that day. By now, about 720 international flights have landed here. Now the door is open for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from here. About 6 lac passengers have used this airport over the past one year. Out of these, around 1.07 lac are international passengers. A total 10% increase has been registered in the air traffic movement and 17% increase in passenger movement after the commencement of international flight here.
"Yes, there was pressure in handling the passengers in the initial stages. But now the pressure has been eased by improving the infrastructural facilities in the airport. Separate offices have been allotted to immigration and customs department. Therefore now there is not as much pressure as seen in the earlier days.
"Earlier, there used to be congestion at the departure zone. Now the congestion has been eased by extending the existing departure hall to the city side. At the same time, the airport authority has already jumped on the bandwagon of a new integrated terminal which is expected to be completed by December 2008 or January 2009. Apron, aerobridges and other necessary infrastructure will be constructed within this time-frame. But the delay in the acquisition of land has hampered the work on the new integrated terminal building. On the other hand, the construction of new road from the terminal building to the city needs to be completed before the terminal building work ends," said M R Vasudeva.
"Mangalore airport has started earning operating profit only after the commencement of international flight service by Air India Express..." - Chellam Prasad, Manager, Air India, Mangalore
When the international flight landed at Mangalore airport a year ago, there were many challenges on hand for the Air India Express officials, says Chellam Prasad, manager of Air India Express here.
Referring to the initial problems, it is quite common that lack of experience resulted in various difficulties. But many problems have been gradually solved over the last one year, she asserted.
International aircraft owned by Air India Express are only operating from Mangalore Airport. Because of the pressure from domestic aircraft during daytime, the Air India Express personnel had to start their work at airport only after 7 pm. Even they experienced the shortage of CISF personnel, immigration and customs problems, limited counter and had to manage with a single x-ray machine for both domestic and international flight customers. But the recent addition of facilities at the airport has created new hope and a sense of relief among Air India Express officials.
No doubt there is a good scope for the development of international passenger movement here. All flights departing from here bring in good amount of revenue for the airport authority and the airline exchequer. The Mangalore airport started earning operating profit only after the commencement of international flight service by Air India Express.
There is a huge demand from customers for Gulf flights. In each Dubai flight, an average number of 180 passengers fly from Mangalore. That is why flights will be increased to Gulf. Even people from Kannur in Kerala and Bhatkal in Karwar (Uttar Kannada) district use Mangalore airport to fly to Gulf countries, says Sanjay Lokeshwar, assistant officer of customer services here.
The Air India Express authorities are hopeful of introducing flight services to Kuwait from Mangalore. Even NRIs are demanding flights to Saudi Arabia. But the diplomatic issues have delayed the commencement of these flights. If the aircraft start flying to these countries, there will be a heavy pressure on Mangalore airport. Hence, the officials are demanding the completion of new terminal building as early as possible. The terminal building will come up soon if a dynamic person like M R Vasudeva will continue as the director of Mangalore airport for the next few years, says Sunil John, security in-charge of Air India Express.
October 3, 2007
720 international flights have landed in Bajpe Airport. Now the door is open for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from here. About 6 lac passengers have used this airport over the past one year. Out of these, around 1.07 lac are international passengers
It is the first anniversary celebration for all those who are enjoying the benefits of the landing of the first-ever international flight at Bajpe on October 3, 2006.
Mangaloreans back home and abroad were overwhelmed when the historic Air India Express touched the new runway at the airport on that momentous day. Thousands of people, including India's civil aviation minister Praful Patel and a number of other state and union ministers and top officials, had then welcomed the maiden flight's passengers at Bajpe.
A year has passed, with many milestones crossed since then, and the first flight heralded flights to many more destinations. Within five months, Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Mangalore connectivity was introduced, followed by Doha-Bahrain-Mangalore in the following month.
Moreover, on the economic front, Mangalore has seen tremendous growth, with an added advantage of an all-weather international sea-port. Huge investments in the pipeline, multinationals have set their food outlets, property prices shot up and lifestyle has changed. Many new players in commercial activities have shown interest in investing in Mangalore.
In a word, Mangalore has shown signs of a fasting-growing commercial hub of the nation. Except the pathetic roads, many things have shown progress in positive directions.
Air-borne good news
From October 28, 2007 Air India Express will be flying on a daily basis from Dubai to Mangalore.
There are other two destinations under immediate consideration by Air India express. The officials are very hopeful of Kuwait-Mangalore and Salalah-Mangalore flights being launched very soon.
The only destination left out is the Saudi Arabia sector. Pending execution of a bilateral agreement, this destination needs to wait for some more months, unless any private airline takes the initiative of grabbing the opportunity.
On account of the successful completion of the first year of operation, Air India Express COO Capt P P Singh, Mangalore Air India chief Ms Chellam Prasad and indeed Bajpe airport director M R Vasudeva, a Mangalorean and the architecht of tremendous development work, including the international flights, that all Mangaloreans would be proud of, spoke exclusively to daijiworld on this glorious achievement.
"Mangalore has been one of the major sectors for us..." - Captain PP Singh
Mangalore has been one of the major sectors for us. We had begun 3 flights from Dubai and later on we added two from Abu Dhabi-Muscat and another two from Doha-Bahrain.
In the past year, we have had more than 90 per cent load in the Dubai sector, around 80% on the Abu Dhabi-Muscat sector. Doha-Bahrain was not much of an encouraging sector, with around 65-70% load, but we are expecting a higher load factor this winter schedule.
Taking into account all this, we have planned to introduce daily flights to Dubai, 4 to Abu Dhabi-Muscat and 3 to Bahrain-Doha in the coming winter schedule, although we have not published this yet. We will include additional flights at the earliest.
P P singh added that the "latest development is that we have detached the Dubai flights from Amritsar-Delhi route, and instead linked it to Calicut, thereby solving the recurring problem of fog, which inconvenienced a large number of Mangaloreans with the resultant delays last winter. Since initially heavy pressure was exerted on us, we had no option but to introduce these flights from Delhi-based aircraftd because of limited aircraft that time. But now we have enough number of aircraft and we can think of new options.
Mangaloreans are lucky to have someone like Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum, who has been with us not only to start the operations to Mangalore but to bring in new destinations. His support and suggestions have helped us as an airline, since being in the avaition field, he is well-versed with everything. In accordance with his plea, we are going to introduce the Mangalore-Kuwait flight soon, which is yet another achievement for us. We are planning to operate flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
"It was a golden-lettered day....." - M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport
October3, 2006 was a day, which should be regarded as the golden letter day in the annals of the Mangalore Airport, says M R Vasudeva, director of Mangalore airport.
"This is so because the first international flight landed here on that day. By now, about 720 international flights have landed here. Now the door is open for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat from here. About 6 lac passengers have used this airport over the past one year. Out of these, around 1.07 lac are international passengers. A total 10% increase has been registered in the air traffic movement and 17% increase in passenger movement after the commencement of international flight here.
"Yes, there was pressure in handling the passengers in the initial stages. But now the pressure has been eased by improving the infrastructural facilities in the airport. Separate offices have been allotted to immigration and customs department. Therefore now there is not as much pressure as seen in the earlier days.
"Earlier, there used to be congestion at the departure zone. Now the congestion has been eased by extending the existing departure hall to the city side. At the same time, the airport authority has already jumped on the bandwagon of a new integrated terminal which is expected to be completed by December 2008 or January 2009. Apron, aerobridges and other necessary infrastructure will be constructed within this time-frame. But the delay in the acquisition of land has hampered the work on the new integrated terminal building. On the other hand, the construction of new road from the terminal building to the city needs to be completed before the terminal building work ends," said M R Vasudeva.
"Mangalore airport has started earning operating profit only after the commencement of international flight service by Air India Express..." - Chellam Prasad, Manager, Air India, Mangalore
When the international flight landed at Mangalore airport a year ago, there were many challenges on hand for the Air India Express officials, says Chellam Prasad, manager of Air India Express here.
Referring to the initial problems, it is quite common that lack of experience resulted in various difficulties. But many problems have been gradually solved over the last one year, she asserted.
International aircraft owned by Air India Express are only operating from Mangalore Airport. Because of the pressure from domestic aircraft during daytime, the Air India Express personnel had to start their work at airport only after 7 pm. Even they experienced the shortage of CISF personnel, immigration and customs problems, limited counter and had to manage with a single x-ray machine for both domestic and international flight customers. But the recent addition of facilities at the airport has created new hope and a sense of relief among Air India Express officials.
No doubt there is a good scope for the development of international passenger movement here. All flights departing from here bring in good amount of revenue for the airport authority and the airline exchequer. The Mangalore airport started earning operating profit only after the commencement of international flight service by Air India Express.
There is a huge demand from customers for Gulf flights. In each Dubai flight, an average number of 180 passengers fly from Mangalore. That is why flights will be increased to Gulf. Even people from Kannur in Kerala and Bhatkal in Karwar (Uttar Kannada) district use Mangalore airport to fly to Gulf countries, says Sanjay Lokeshwar, assistant officer of customer services here.
The Air India Express authorities are hopeful of introducing flight services to Kuwait from Mangalore. Even NRIs are demanding flights to Saudi Arabia. But the diplomatic issues have delayed the commencement of these flights. If the aircraft start flying to these countries, there will be a heavy pressure on Mangalore airport. Hence, the officials are demanding the completion of new terminal building as early as possible. The terminal building will come up soon if a dynamic person like M R Vasudeva will continue as the director of Mangalore airport for the next few years, says Sunil John, security in-charge of Air India Express.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Plea to expand Mangalore airport departure hall
Our Bureau
Mangalore, Sept. 19 The UAE-based Karnataka NRI Forum – a body of 40 different organisations in West Asia – has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expand the departure hall at Mangalore airport.
In a press release here, Mr Rajesh Sequera, Coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum, said the pressure on airport would increase by this year-end, as flights already operating to West Asia from Mangalore would increase their schedules. The space available at the present departure hall may not be enough to handle the passenger traffic. In such a situation, AAI should initiate steps to expand the departure hall, he said.
The forum thanked the AAI for building a new arrival hall at the airport.
Mr Sequera said that international airlines such as Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways and Emirates have shown interest in operating to Mangalore. But they are waiting for clearances from the Centre. If the Government allows other international airlines to operate from Mangalore, there would be more connectivity not only from West Asia but also from far eastern countries.
He said that Customs and Immigration authorities should provide additional manpower at the airport for 24-hour operations. As there is good potential for handling cargo from Mangalore airport, it should be declared as customs airport for cargo handling.
Additional land
Urging the Karnataka Government to sanction additional 300 acres of land to AAI for the overall development of the airport, he said this would help in the extension of the runway. An extended runway would help in landing bigger aircraft at the airport, he added.
Mangalore, Sept. 19 The UAE-based Karnataka NRI Forum – a body of 40 different organisations in West Asia – has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expand the departure hall at Mangalore airport.
In a press release here, Mr Rajesh Sequera, Coordinator of the Karnataka NRI Forum, said the pressure on airport would increase by this year-end, as flights already operating to West Asia from Mangalore would increase their schedules. The space available at the present departure hall may not be enough to handle the passenger traffic. In such a situation, AAI should initiate steps to expand the departure hall, he said.
The forum thanked the AAI for building a new arrival hall at the airport.
Mr Sequera said that international airlines such as Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways and Emirates have shown interest in operating to Mangalore. But they are waiting for clearances from the Centre. If the Government allows other international airlines to operate from Mangalore, there would be more connectivity not only from West Asia but also from far eastern countries.
He said that Customs and Immigration authorities should provide additional manpower at the airport for 24-hour operations. As there is good potential for handling cargo from Mangalore airport, it should be declared as customs airport for cargo handling.
Additional land
Urging the Karnataka Government to sanction additional 300 acres of land to AAI for the overall development of the airport, he said this would help in the extension of the runway. An extended runway would help in landing bigger aircraft at the airport, he added.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Kuwait: 'Direct Flight to Mangalore - Quantum Leap for AI'
Media Release
Kuwait, Aug 24: Kasargod Expatriates Association along with the conglomerate of NRIs from Mangalore submitted a memorandum to Air India requesting flight connectivity between Kuwait and Mangalore, the prominent coastal town in southern part of Karnataka which is adjoining to Kasargod district in northern part of Kerala. The delegation was led by KEA's president Engr Abu Backer who briefed the need to have flight service in Mangalore-Kuwait sector to Air India's country manager Krishan Bhar.
Mangalore airport is traditionally being used by people from Malabar region specifically from Kannur and Kasargod apart from people from Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Kuwait has large expat population from this belt spread over two states that are currently depending Mumbai, Calicut and Bangalore airports for their overseas travel. Obviously the choice of airlines are determined by availability rates and timing which results in using different airlines like Kuwait airways, Air Lanka, Air India, Emirates Airlines etc. Once Mangalore is linked with Kuwait by Air India, the entire expatriate community from this region travelling to Kuwait will avail the services of India's national airlines.
Mangalore was always in Kuwait's airline industry map with prominence, solely for the reason of large population working from the surrounding area in Kuwait since the last 40 years. Kuwait Airways had their operating office in early eighties to service the passengers from Dakshina Kannada and Malabar reigion. KEA executive team (Hari Govind, Khalee Adoor, Balakrishna Udma, Sathar Kunnil and Hassan Mangad) was accompanied by Pascal B Pinto, the community leader from Mangalore fighting for the this cause for the last few years and Lawrence D'Souza, the business magnet of Kuwait hailing from Mangalore and owner of Ceasars Group of Restaurants and Travels and other many companies briefed the need and importance of Kuwait-Mangalore sector. Krishan Bhar, the manager who is in-charge of Kuwait and Cyprus for Air India who has taken charge recently, captured all information related to Mangalore's geographical location and other relevant factors. He also enquired certain specific information related to airport facilities and regional demography. He has assured the delegation that he will take up the case with the management of Air India with due importance furnishing the relevant information. He will justify the need to have the flight in this high-traffic route and he feels that flight connectivity in this sector will be quantum leap for Air India's Kuwait office in its revenue enrichment drive.
Kuwait, Aug 24: Kasargod Expatriates Association along with the conglomerate of NRIs from Mangalore submitted a memorandum to Air India requesting flight connectivity between Kuwait and Mangalore, the prominent coastal town in southern part of Karnataka which is adjoining to Kasargod district in northern part of Kerala. The delegation was led by KEA's president Engr Abu Backer who briefed the need to have flight service in Mangalore-Kuwait sector to Air India's country manager Krishan Bhar.
Mangalore airport is traditionally being used by people from Malabar region specifically from Kannur and Kasargod apart from people from Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Kuwait has large expat population from this belt spread over two states that are currently depending Mumbai, Calicut and Bangalore airports for their overseas travel. Obviously the choice of airlines are determined by availability rates and timing which results in using different airlines like Kuwait airways, Air Lanka, Air India, Emirates Airlines etc. Once Mangalore is linked with Kuwait by Air India, the entire expatriate community from this region travelling to Kuwait will avail the services of India's national airlines.
Mangalore was always in Kuwait's airline industry map with prominence, solely for the reason of large population working from the surrounding area in Kuwait since the last 40 years. Kuwait Airways had their operating office in early eighties to service the passengers from Dakshina Kannada and Malabar reigion. KEA executive team (Hari Govind, Khalee Adoor, Balakrishna Udma, Sathar Kunnil and Hassan Mangad) was accompanied by Pascal B Pinto, the community leader from Mangalore fighting for the this cause for the last few years and Lawrence D'Souza, the business magnet of Kuwait hailing from Mangalore and owner of Ceasars Group of Restaurants and Travels and other many companies briefed the need and importance of Kuwait-Mangalore sector. Krishan Bhar, the manager who is in-charge of Kuwait and Cyprus for Air India who has taken charge recently, captured all information related to Mangalore's geographical location and other relevant factors. He also enquired certain specific information related to airport facilities and regional demography. He has assured the delegation that he will take up the case with the management of Air India with due importance furnishing the relevant information. He will justify the need to have the flight in this high-traffic route and he feels that flight connectivity in this sector will be quantum leap for Air India's Kuwait office in its revenue enrichment drive.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Mangalore: More Flights from City to UAE Announced
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)
Mangalore, Aug 12: Briefing media persons at the Bajpe airport, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) airport director M R Vasudeva stated on Saturday, August 11 that Air India Express will introduce as many as four more international flight services between UAE and Mangalore by October 25.
Vasudeva informed that with this additional service, the number of international flights per week between Mangalore and the Gulf countries would increase to 14. There would be a total of 28 international flight movements at the Bajpe airport per week from October 25 from the present 20 flight movement, he added.
He said the contract for the work on the new terminal building at the airport has been awarded and will be completed in the next 18 months period. The required land for the new terminal building has already been acquired by the state government and handed over to the AAI, he added.
Giving further information, he stated that the Bajpe airport had earned a profit of Rs 83 lac during 2006-07. Their target was to earn a profit of Rs six crore during 2007-08. Around 4.58 lakh passengers have travelled during 2006-07.
Answering a query, he agreed that there was great demand for cargo flight service, but the airport had no immediate plans to start the same due to some technical reason, he said. He further stated that AAI has sent a proposal to the railway ministry for setting up a railway station near the new terminal building to facilitate the air passengers to and from Mangalore city.
Mangalore, Aug 12: Briefing media persons at the Bajpe airport, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) airport director M R Vasudeva stated on Saturday, August 11 that Air India Express will introduce as many as four more international flight services between UAE and Mangalore by October 25.
Vasudeva informed that with this additional service, the number of international flights per week between Mangalore and the Gulf countries would increase to 14. There would be a total of 28 international flight movements at the Bajpe airport per week from October 25 from the present 20 flight movement, he added.
He said the contract for the work on the new terminal building at the airport has been awarded and will be completed in the next 18 months period. The required land for the new terminal building has already been acquired by the state government and handed over to the AAI, he added.
Giving further information, he stated that the Bajpe airport had earned a profit of Rs 83 lac during 2006-07. Their target was to earn a profit of Rs six crore during 2007-08. Around 4.58 lakh passengers have travelled during 2006-07.
Answering a query, he agreed that there was great demand for cargo flight service, but the airport had no immediate plans to start the same due to some technical reason, he said. He further stated that AAI has sent a proposal to the railway ministry for setting up a railway station near the new terminal building to facilitate the air passengers to and from Mangalore city.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Kuwait - Mangalore Direct Flight Still Hangs in Balance
By Walter NandalikeEditor-in-chiefDaijiworld.com
Pics: Rons Bantwal - Daijiworld Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 5: According to the chief operations officer (COO) of Air India Express Captain P P Singh, the possibility of flying Air India Express directly from Kuwait to Mangalore will still have a question mark over it, at least until this year end.
Captain Singh was speaking exclusively to Daijiworld.com editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike in Mumbai at AI Express office, regarding the latest development of Air India Express to Mangalore sector.
"We all are doing our best; there is tremendous pressure from the people of the coastal region of Karnataka and North Malabar living in Kuwait to provide them with a direct flight facility, but we have certain limitations," Singh admitted.
Capt PP Singh and J J Sawjiany
"At the moment, we cannot assure anything. Air India and Indian Airlines (Indian) are capable of flying direct. They have an advantage over AI Express. For AI Express there will be load penalty and at the moment we cannot take off 4-hour non-stop flight from any destination" clarified the COO.
Informing further he stated, "Since the merger of Indian and Air India is under process, there are less possibilities of realizing the direct flight of Kuwait- Mangalore immediately".
"We are looking for other options, like Kuwait- Abu Dhabi - Mangalore or Kuwait - Ahmedabad - Mangalore. But this process too will take some time," admitted Singh.
Captain Singh has acknowledged the memorandum submitted by some organizations in Kuwait.
"Archie Menezes in Kuwait on behalf of some organization shas sent us the memorandum and he is following up the issue. Also, on the other hand, UAE Karnataka NRI forum co-coordinator Rajesh Sequeira is in touch with us regarding this route. Let us hope for the best and we assure of our full support in this regard," he said.
Dubai - Mangalore 7 flights a week:
Conveying his extreme happiness over the Dubai - Mangalore sector, Captain Singh admitted that current 5 flights a week are not serving the entire need of Mangalore-bound passengers. From the current winter season we will have 7 flights a week. This has already been approved by the concerned authority, he informed.
No Sharjah - Mangalore direct flight on the cards:
Though, it was earlier decided to have two weekly flights from Sharjah to Mangalore, for the moment the plan for direct Sharjah - Mangalore flight has been dropped. Due to bilateral seat-sharing issues between Dubai and India, there was very little chance to enhance the current 5 flights a week from Dubai to Mangalore. But, the said issue has been resolved recently and it is agreed to have 7 flights a week. This led to the cancellation of Sharjah - Mangalore sector. "Dubai - Mangalore" route is economical as far as the airline operation is concerned, rather than Dubai - Sharjah, clarified the Captain P P Singh.
Other Gulf sectors gaining momentum:
Captain Singh stated that 'he was earlier worried about the initial result on Abu Dhabi - Muscat - Mangalore and Doha - Bahrain - Mangalore flights. But now things are gaining momentum. Currently we have an average 60% load result. This is a good sign, but still we need to reach 80% capacity, otherwise it will be difficult for us to reach break-even', he averred.
Timing, Luggage problems minimized:
Initially we had some hurdles in operating from Dubai - Mangalore. Timing problem was due to fog conditions. Since Amritsar-bound flights were to come to the Mangalore sector, during the winter season fog has been largely responsible in flight delays. This year we are planning to use Coachin-Calicut-bound flights to Mangalore sector. So fog situation will not affect our operation,' he assured.
Singh also informed that, as of now,' timing and luggage problem has been solved. Once in a while we may have to face any such problem. Look at any major airline; every airline has some problem or other, at some point. But we will take care of such things in future', he assured.
No Indian Rupee for In- flight shopping :
There have been a few complaints from the passengers with regard to the Indian Rupee not being accepted in-flight, while purchasing food or drinks. Only Dirhams and Dollars are being accepted.
J J Sawjiany, deputy general manager of Air India Express, who is responsible for finance too, was also present in the press brief, and he informed daijiworld that "This problem is because of the Reserve Bank restrictions, as things which are sold in-flight are bonded items and are not allowed to be sold in Indian rupee in the sky".
We have been discussing this matter, even Air India shopping has been facing such complaints from passengers. Very soon we will come to an agreement and in future Air India and its subsidiary flights will accept Indian Rupee" he pacified.
Mangalore - a successful destination:
After about 10 months of operation, Capt P P Singh has expressed his satification at the performance and achievement of direct Mangalore flights. He said that the frequency of the flights would be increased in accordance with the needs of the people, he informed in conclusion.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Mangalore: New Arrival Hall at Bajpe Airport Opened to Passengers
Raviprasad Kamila for The Hindu
The hall, covering an area of 14,000 sq ft, can handle 250 passengers at a time
MANGALORE, Jun 18: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) opened the new arrival hall at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport to passengers on Sunday.
The air-conditioned hall, covering an area of 14,000 sq ft, can handle 250 passengers at a time. It has been built in eight months at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.5 crore.
For some time, it will be used to handle passengers of domestic flights only, M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport, told The Hindu.
The airport handles nine domestic flights a day including five to Mumbai and four to Bangalore.
The new arrival hall would handle approximately 800 to 900 domestic passengers a day, he said.
The arrival hall has two conveyor belts, toilets, drinking water facility, a pre-paid taxi counter, a flight information board and a hotel counter. It has a visitors’ gallery. Visitors have to pay a fee to enter the gallery. They would be allowed to the gallery after a security check, Mr. Vasudeva said.
The structural design of the hall was handled by National Institute of Technology – Karnataka, Surathkal. The planning, interior and exterior designs and the construction were done by the AAI.
Passengers of Jet Airways flight from Bangalore were the first to arrive through the new hall on Sunday at 9.25 a.m. They included Siddaramaiah, former Deputy Chief Minister; V.R. Sudarshan, MLC; Sugunendra Tirtha swamiji of Puttige Math, Udupi; P. Tamilvanan, chairman, New Mangalore Port Trust; and K.L. Gopalakrishna, Executive Director, Corporation Bank.
U.R. Sabhapathi, former Udupi MLA, and Jayaprakash Hegde, MLA of Brahmavar, were present.
Opened
A counter to sell products of Dakshina Kannada Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (DKMUL) was opened on the premises of the airport on Sunday. Krishna J. Palemar, Surathkal MLA, inaugurated it.
K. Diwakar Shetty, president of DKMUL, was present.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Air India Express Dubai-Mangalore Flights to Resume on June 8
from Rajesh Sequeira in DubaiDaijiworld Media Network - UAE / Mangalore
Dubai, Jun 8: As a result of cyclonic conditions in Oman and south Iran, the flights to Muscat had been suspended from June 6.
A number of passengers of Air India Express flights had been stranded in Dubai and Mangalore. Since this flight is taking its route via Muscat, it was suspended until further notice.
Civil aviation sources said, as already reported by Daijiworld, that permission had been obtained for the flights to overfly Pakistan and Iran en route to Dubai and back.
Rajesh Sequeira after speaking to the officials in Dubai and Mumbai said these flight had been cancelled keeping the safety of the passengers in mind. Although it would mean more expenditure to the airline, the step has been taken for the convenience of the passengers, they said.
The backlog of passengers of flights would be cleared as early as possible, they assured.
Dubai, Jun 8: As a result of cyclonic conditions in Oman and south Iran, the flights to Muscat had been suspended from June 6.
A number of passengers of Air India Express flights had been stranded in Dubai and Mangalore. Since this flight is taking its route via Muscat, it was suspended until further notice.
Civil aviation sources said, as already reported by Daijiworld, that permission had been obtained for the flights to overfly Pakistan and Iran en route to Dubai and back.
Rajesh Sequeira after speaking to the officials in Dubai and Mumbai said these flight had been cancelled keeping the safety of the passengers in mind. Although it would mean more expenditure to the airline, the step has been taken for the convenience of the passengers, they said.
The backlog of passengers of flights would be cleared as early as possible, they assured.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Air India Express gets Clearance to Overfly Pak, Iran to reach Gulf
Mumbai, June. 7 (PTI): Low-cost carrier Air India Express has obtained special permission for its flights to the Gulf to fly over Pakistan and Iran as a tropical storm in Oman has damaged radars there, rendering it dangerous to fly on normal routes over Omani airspace.
"The radars there are not yet fully operational and Muscat airport is only now slowly getting back to normal. Under the present conditions, we cannot fly over Omani airspace and we will be flying over Pakistan and Iran to the Gulf," Air India Express' Chief Operating Officer P P Singh told PTI here today.
He said four flights were operated today to the Gulf from Kochi airport and five more would take off from Calicut by 9 pm.
The Mumbai-Bahrain-Doha and Mumbai-Pune-Dubai flights took off this evening, he said.
Two flights, one from Mangalore and the other from Amritsar, were cancelled while two Kochi-Trivandrum-Abu Dhabi flights operated without touching Trivandrum. Passengers in Trivandrum will be accommodated tomorrow. Air India Express' priority is to first resume normal flights before considering any additional flights in the coming days, he said.
According to Singh, Air India Express flights have been particularly affected since its planes have a short range unlike Air India's which are long range and can thus take long detours.
All Air India flights to the Gulf have also been delayed.
An Air India spokesperson said: "We have rescheduled our flights and there are delays on Gulf routes. Until we get an okay from the Omani authorities, the present situation will continue."
He, however, said normalcy should be restored within the next two days.
Omani authorities have partially restored their systems and Muscat airport has re-opened but it will take at least another 36 to 40 hours for normalcy to be restored.
Till then, the circuitous route over Pakistan and Iran will have to be taken by Indian carriers for flights to the Gulf.
"The radars there are not yet fully operational and Muscat airport is only now slowly getting back to normal. Under the present conditions, we cannot fly over Omani airspace and we will be flying over Pakistan and Iran to the Gulf," Air India Express' Chief Operating Officer P P Singh told PTI here today.
He said four flights were operated today to the Gulf from Kochi airport and five more would take off from Calicut by 9 pm.
The Mumbai-Bahrain-Doha and Mumbai-Pune-Dubai flights took off this evening, he said.
Two flights, one from Mangalore and the other from Amritsar, were cancelled while two Kochi-Trivandrum-Abu Dhabi flights operated without touching Trivandrum. Passengers in Trivandrum will be accommodated tomorrow. Air India Express' priority is to first resume normal flights before considering any additional flights in the coming days, he said.
According to Singh, Air India Express flights have been particularly affected since its planes have a short range unlike Air India's which are long range and can thus take long detours.
All Air India flights to the Gulf have also been delayed.
An Air India spokesperson said: "We have rescheduled our flights and there are delays on Gulf routes. Until we get an okay from the Omani authorities, the present situation will continue."
He, however, said normalcy should be restored within the next two days.
Omani authorities have partially restored their systems and Muscat airport has re-opened but it will take at least another 36 to 40 hours for normalcy to be restored.
Till then, the circuitous route over Pakistan and Iran will have to be taken by Indian carriers for flights to the Gulf.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Mangalore: Airport Expansion Work Likely to be Delayed
The Hindu
Mangalore, May 25: The commencement of work on an integrated terminal building at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is likely to be delayed as the State Government has not shifted 66 families from the area where a terminal building, an apron, taxi way and other associated facilities have to come up.
Sources in the AAI told The Hindu that work on the construction of the apron, at an estimated cost of Rs. 19 crore, had begun and 10 per cent of the work had been completed. Work on the construction of the terminal building, taxi way and other associated facilities was yet to begin.
The AAI was finding it to difficult to proceed further with the work on the apron, as the Government had not shifted families from the project site. If the work had to be completed at least some families had to be shifted. The apron would come up in an area of 43,620 square metres, the sources said.
Tender
The tender for Rs. 86 crore (for the construction of terminal building only) was in the awarding stage as the AAI was in the process of giving financial clearance to it, they said. The work had to begin soon after that, they said and added that not shifting the families from the proposed project site would come in the way of starting the work.
The sources said that since rainy season would begin within a fortnight the chances of shifting families from the project site were remote.
Cost
The cost of these projects had been estimated at Rs. 147 crore.
The terminal building would come up in an area of about 18,220 square metres. It has been designed to handle 500 passengers at a time. It can handle four Airbus 310 aircraft and one Airbus 321 aircraft at a time.
Assistant Commissioner of Mangalore, S. Krishnamurthy told The Hindu on Thursday that the Government had made arrangements to rehabilitate the 66 families at Kolambe and Malavoor areas.
The families that would be shifted from the proposed project site had been given sites. Roads had been laid in the rehabilitation colony and provision to supply drinking water had been made. The families had been given compensation. Since they were constructing their homes on the sites provided to them, shifting of families from the project area had been delayed, he said.
All of them would be shifted once they complete the construction, he said.
Not shifting the families from the project site had not come in the way of execution of work by the AAI, the Assistant Commissioner said.
Mangalore, May 25: The commencement of work on an integrated terminal building at Bajpe (Mangalore) airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is likely to be delayed as the State Government has not shifted 66 families from the area where a terminal building, an apron, taxi way and other associated facilities have to come up.
Sources in the AAI told The Hindu that work on the construction of the apron, at an estimated cost of Rs. 19 crore, had begun and 10 per cent of the work had been completed. Work on the construction of the terminal building, taxi way and other associated facilities was yet to begin.
The AAI was finding it to difficult to proceed further with the work on the apron, as the Government had not shifted families from the project site. If the work had to be completed at least some families had to be shifted. The apron would come up in an area of 43,620 square metres, the sources said.
Tender
The tender for Rs. 86 crore (for the construction of terminal building only) was in the awarding stage as the AAI was in the process of giving financial clearance to it, they said. The work had to begin soon after that, they said and added that not shifting the families from the proposed project site would come in the way of starting the work.
The sources said that since rainy season would begin within a fortnight the chances of shifting families from the project site were remote.
Cost
The cost of these projects had been estimated at Rs. 147 crore.
The terminal building would come up in an area of about 18,220 square metres. It has been designed to handle 500 passengers at a time. It can handle four Airbus 310 aircraft and one Airbus 321 aircraft at a time.
Assistant Commissioner of Mangalore, S. Krishnamurthy told The Hindu on Thursday that the Government had made arrangements to rehabilitate the 66 families at Kolambe and Malavoor areas.
The families that would be shifted from the proposed project site had been given sites. Roads had been laid in the rehabilitation colony and provision to supply drinking water had been made. The families had been given compensation. Since they were constructing their homes on the sites provided to them, shifting of families from the project area had been delayed, he said.
All of them would be shifted once they complete the construction, he said.
Not shifting the families from the project site had not come in the way of execution of work by the AAI, the Assistant Commissioner said.
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