Air Deccan shows interest in Kandla operation

The long wait seems to be over. After a hiatus of six years, Kandla Airport might see a commercial airplane touching down on its runway.

Air Deccan, the Bangalore-based low cost air service provider, has shown willingness to start a direct flight to Mumbai from Kandla.

The move has also got a thumbs up from the industry. The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has guaranteed the air service provider a 75 per cent occupancy both ways for all the morning flights.

"We guarantee a 75 per cent of occupancy both ways. But the flight should leave Mumbai at 5.30 am and the return flight should leave Kandla around 8 am," said Babulal A Singhvi, president of GCCI.

The Ernest & Young survey had already indicated that Kandla has vast potential for air passenger traffic and air cargo traffic.

John Kuruvilla, chief revenue officer of Air Deccan has said, "We found there is a need of a direct flight from Kandla to Mumbai. But before that we have to check the viability of passenger in the route before to start a direct flight from Kandla to Mumbai."

S S R Rao, regional executive director of Airport Authority of India (AAI), said," We are ready to provide service from Kandla. The authority will take 45-60 days to provide all facilities. But before that the service provider has to sign an agreement with the Airport Authority of India.

"To provide a regular service in airports, it needs a different set up and it costs almost Rs 4-5 lakh. The problems come when these service providers suddenly withdraw their services and all the investment go waste."

It was six years ago that Kandla airport had its last flight. Vayudoot used to operate flights at the Kandla airport. After the airline shut shop, the now-defunct Gujarat Airways carried out servicesbetween Mumbai and Kandla before it too discontinued its service.

The 20-years old airport has a 5,000-feet runway that will allow ATR aircraft traffic.