Bangalore, Sep 13: When the Air India Express launched its direct flight operation between Mangalore and Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia more than a year ago, Coastaldigest.com had promised its Non Resident Indian readers in the Arab kingdom to press for establishment of aviation link between Mangalore and other two prominent international airports of Saudi Arabia.
Armed with the overwhelming support of NRI organizations and individuals, Coastaldigest.com has been continuing its efforts to exert pressure on Air India Express and Ministry of Civil Aviation of India to connect Mangalore to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and Jeddah, a prominent religious tourism destination in Western Province of the kingdom apart from Dammam.
Now, Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka chief minister of Karnataka, has also endorsed the demand of expatriates from coastal belt of Karnataka working in and around Riyadh and Jeddah. “This is a reasonable demand. I will write to civil aviation ministry of government of India requesting to take necessary steps to fulfill this demand at the earliest,” Siddaramaiah, in his office, here, on Friday assured Asif Amaco, the chairman of Coastaldigest.com and U T Khader, the health minister of Karnataka, who also hails from Mangalore.
The feasibility study report of Coastaldigest.com on aviation link between Mangalore and Saudi Arabian cities, proposes two possible routes: 1) Mangalore-Dammam-Riyadh and Riyadh-Dammam-Mangalore 2) Mangalore-Dammam-Jeddah and Jeddah-Dammam-Mangalore.
Going through the feasibility study report, Mr Siddaramaiah said that he strongly supports the cause of NRIs in Saudi Arabia. “I will forward the feasibility study report prepared by Coastaldigest.com to civil aviation ministry along with a letter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coastaldigest.com team has been in constant touch with Air India Express authorities, who also have now expressed their willingness to connect Mangalore with Riyadh and Jeddah. The dream may soon be fulfilled.
Memories:
Congratulations! Our next goal is connecting Mangalore with Riyadh, Jeddah
Mangalore-Dammam inaugural flight takes off
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