MLA J R Lobo, minister Baig meet AI MD & Civil Aviation minister; to restart Kuwait-M’lore fli

Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 5 Aug 2014: Urging to restart the direct flights to Kuwait from Mangalore, Mangalroe south MLA J R Loboalong with Karnataka minister for information, infrastructure development and Haj, met Air India (AI) managing director Rohit Nandan and union civil aviation minister G M  Siddeshwar, separately at New Delhi on Tuesday August 5.
 
The direct flights between Mangalore to Kuwait remain suspended since last 6 months.
 
It may be recalled that MLA Lobo had brought the same matter to the notice of the government in previous Assembly session of Belgaum held during November/ December and the government had replied on the floor that the matter was connected to union government and the same will be brought to the notice of civil aviation ministry. However, no concrete action was taken till date. Hence, MLA Lobo along with ministerRoshan Baig called on AI CMD and union civil aviation minister separately at New Delhi on August 5.
 
MLA Lobo urged both the authorities to restart the suspended direct flights from Mangalore to Kuwait. Both, the CMD and also the union civil aviation minister have promised to look into this seriously and assured that the action will be initiated to redress the long pending grievances of NRIs residing in Kuwait.

 

 
Besides, MLA Lobo and minister Baig informed the civil aviation minister on the need to extend Mangalore airport runway by another 285 meters.  MLA Lobo impressed upon the union minister that Mangalore is the second International airport of Karnataka whereas the neighbouring Kerala already has 3 international airports and now they are developing fourth one at Kannur. If Mangalore runway is not extended, wide bodied aircrafts cannot land in Mangalore which will hinder the cargo exports and also may lose the international status.
Next to Bangalore, Mangalore is the only airport in Karnataka which has all the potential to grow and become the major destination for industrial, educational and tourism growth. The minister Roshan Baig also insisted that Mangalore should be given all the attention and stated that Karnataka government will give all the support to union government to develop Mangalore airport.
 
The union civil aviation minister stated that this project requires an investment of more than Rs 1,100 crore. Hence it has to be developed on PPP model as it was done in Cochin and the union minister assured to take up this issue seriously.
 
The minister Rosha Baig suggested that if ministry of civil aviation comes with a proper plan, this can be proposed for forthcoming Global Investor Meet.