Time restrictions in Vizag Airport affects economy, says whip

Government Whip, Gana Babu, has met the Vizag District Collector, Pravin Kumar IAS, along with Airline Associations and Industry representatives on June 13, to inform the collector about the impact on the economy due to the time restrictions by the Indian Navy in Vizag Airport.

The team said to the collector that not only 8 flights but many more connecting flights in domestic and international sectors would be facing problems due to the military slots in Vizag Airport.

The officials mentioned that every flight has 150 passengers on an average and about 1200 passengers each incoming and outgoing in the 8 flights. In total, 2400 passengers would be suffering directly. That’s about 9 lakh passengers a year, suffering.

Flight fares would go up due to the withdrawal of services by the affected aircraft.

As per the military slots of 9.30 am to 12.30pm, just in case, if a morning flight is delayed to 9.40 am, it cannot take off till 12.30 pm. This will be a huge problem. The passengers have to wait for 3 hours in Vizag Airport. Also, the airlines need to pay more parking and landing charges. These are practical problems.

The officials requested the collector to speak to the Navy officials and resolve the problem. They mentioned to convey the news to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandra Babu.

Vice president of AP Air Travelers Association, DS Varma, President of Tours and Travels Association of AP, K Vijay Mohan, State President, G. Sambasiva Rao, President of Vizag Chapter of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Pydah Krishna Prasad, Representative of IT, G. Murali Krishna and others have attended the meeting.