Airport authorities planning introduction of overseas flights

[sajiv]

 Airport authorities planning introduction of overseas flights

MADURAI: With the new terminal building in Madurai airport expected to become fully operational by July-August, the authorities are contemplating introduction of international services to destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur based on market feedback.

A reliable Airports Authority of India (AAI) source said here on Wednesday that after the recent visit of the AAI Chairman, work is in full-swing at the airport.

The Confederation of Indian Industry, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association have impressed upon the officials about the need to introduce international flights from the temple city.

The proposals are being examined at the top level for implementation.

Currently, Madurai has nine flights per day to Chennai and one each to Mumbai and Bangalore.

The capacity for Chennai is 654 seats, 45 for Mumbai and 66 for Bangalore. But the demand is so high that on an average most of the carriers operate on 80 per cent seat factor. A seat in economy class to Chennai is priced around Rs 15,000. Though this might not directly reflect on the need for international services, it was an indicator of the potential in Madurai, the source said.

There is good potential for export of cargo to Asian countries. Madurai's jasmine, sungudi sarees and textile goods are some of the goods in demand.

The AAI has been requested to consider the proposals to operate Chennai-Madurai-Male, Madurai-Muscat, Madurai-Dubai and Singapore or Kuala Lumpur-Chennai-Madurai-Chennai flights thrice a day.

The travel industry has suggested the timings as follows: departure Chennai 12 hours, arrival Madurai 12.50; departure Madurai 13.30 and arrival Male 14.35.

In the return direction, it may leave Male at 15.35 hours, arrive Madurai at 16.40, depart Madurai at 17.30 and reach Chennai at 18.20.

The proposed Male flight on arrival at Madurai may take Singapore and Kuala Lumpur passengers on three days a week.

The suggested timings are: Chennai departure 19.20 hours, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur arrival 23.20, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur departure 01.00, arrival Chennai 05.00 and depart at 06.00; arrival at Madurai 06.50 hours and departure for Chennai at 07.30.

The travel industry has recommended that 30 to 40 passengers may fly (per flight) to Male from Madurai and that Chennai will provide a load of 40 to 50 passengers per flight.

Union Minister for Fertilizers and Chemicals M.K. Alagiri had in his election manifesto promised to introduce international services from the Madurai airport. The officials had briefed the Minister about the progress at a recent meeting.

[pradeep prem]

this is easy to travel
with only urgent required can travel easily with domestic flight
with some compare with bus or train fair with high in flight