Regional airlines, new airports don't seem to gel

A bunch of regional airlines are readying for take-off. Southern India is regarded as the better market for these airlines as, unlike the rest of the country, regional carriers in the South have the option of connecting major cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Kochi.
But an air pocket that might be awaiting them is the rickety and long ride to and from the spanking new airports coming up outside the city in Hyderabad and more so in Bangalore.
Consider an example, for a flight from Bangalore to Chennai, the total time taken is four and a half hours. Of this the actual flight takes only 45 minutes.
Bangalore to Devanahalli airport- 2 hours; Reporting time-1 hour; Flying time- 45 minutes; Chennai airport to city centre-45 minutes.
In comparison, the time taken by the Shatabdi Express between these cities is five hours.
The clinching argument is the executive class AC train fare in Shatabdi, which is Rs 1,080. Air fares are significantly higher.
Should this mean that it is prudent for regional airlines to delay the launch of services until such time airport connectivity is sorted out?
Officials of regional airlines are defending their turf based on the argument that flying means better quality of travel.
Regional airline executives add that user development fees as well as the higher operating expenses poses a bigger threat than the distance to the new airports and argue for keeping open existing airports.
11/03/08 Nirmal John/DNA MONEY/Sify

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Categories: Airports Mar 2008, New Mar 2008, Regional Airlines Mar 2008