Rajasansi still in trouble, but Pathankot airport bounces back

Amritsar: While Rajasansi International Airport is still not out of the trouble, there is some good news for the region. Indian Airlines today commenced its much-awaited direct flight to Delhi from Pathankot airport. The thrice-a-week flight by IA would run on the route of Delhi-Kullu-Pathankot-Delhi.
A gateway to Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Pathankot airport— opened in 2006 amid much fanfare — flashed on the aviation radar once again after the IA and Deccan flights were discontinued in March this year due to revenue losses.
However, people demanded resumption of the flights, and local traders and tourist operators had also met Union Minister for Industries Ashwani Kumar.
The recommencement has brought cheers to the tourists, orchardists and residents. Forty-two passengers boarded the flight today, of which only two were from Pathankot, while rest had enplaned from Kullu. Station Manager of Indian Airlines Ram Pal said the lukewarm response on the inaugural flight would not act as a dampener, and they were expecting good response in days to come. He added that the fare from Pathankot to Delhi would be Rs 3,200.
He said they and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) have made elaborate security arrangements for the safety of passengers.
04/12/08 Dharmendra Rataul/Indian Express

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Dec 2008