Mangalore, August 5: Special flights for Hajj pilgrims from Mangalore Airport will start operating from October 18 this year, according to Mangalore Airport Director M R Vasudeva.
He was speaking on “Bajpe Airport-past, present and future” at a programme orgainsed by Alumni Association of St. Aloysius College on the College premises here on Friday evening.
Explaining the facilities available in the Airport, he said that the New Integrated Terminal Building would fulfill all the necessities of the air passengers at least for next ten years and there was no necessity to extend it.
However, he said, Mangalore airport has suffered from lack of infrastructure. The 6000 feet runway was planned in the 1980's, but accomplished very recently. This delay is one of the major reasons for Mangalore Airport failing to get International tag so far.
He said that Mangalore Airport has added flavor to the development of a city. “Cities should be planned around airport for faster development” he said adding that if airport are clean and well maintained, the city would attract more tourists.
Commenting on the worst aviation tragedy of the city, Mr Vasudeva pointed out that the pilot had made mistakes on six counts, which in “no way” could be prevented by the Airport authorities. “The location of the Airport is not the cause for the crash”, he clarified.
He said that the Airport is providing air traffic services for all aircrafts within a range of 250 nautical miles, thus making air traffic safe across the skies of Mangalore.
Special Economic Zone coming up near the Airport is a great sign as it will boost the economy of the city, he observed.
Commenting on the problems faced by the aviation industry in India he said ticket prices, fuel prices and shortage of personnel were troubling the industry.
Recognising the necessity of Airports in the integrity of the nation, he said that a well-connected nation is always united.
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