How about flying from Jeddah to Surat?

Surat: Preliminary inquiries by Air India (AI) about starting a flight from Surat to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has brought a smile on the faces of many Surtis, who want to see the city airport as a thriving hub. Local officials point out that Ahmedabad too had started flights to Jeddah before turning into a full-fledged international airport. Sources said AI was looking to cater to the huge demand of Haj pilgrims from south Gujarat with the new service.
"Local AI officials approached us about starting the flight," said Ashok Gupta, Surat airport manager. "We can now operate international flights as we have installed night landing facility and our runway length has been increased."
He added that the only problem would be setting up immigration and customs facilities required for international landings and take-offs in time for the Haj season, an aspect that is not in their hands. "Normally, Ahmedabad airport handles the entire rush during Haj. If the Surat airport is allowed to operate flights to Jeddah, it would reduce the pressure on Ahmedabad substantially," he added.
Surat collector Dilip Rawal said, "If an operator comes up with a viable plan to operate flights from Surat to Jeddah, we will ensure that immigration and customs facilities are set up. If all goes as planned, Haj pilgrims of south Gujarat will be able to fly to Jeddah from Surat airport from next year."
19/07/09 Himanshu Bhatt & Melvyn Thomas/Times of India

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Categories: Air India - International Jul 2009, Airports Jul 2009, Foreign Jul 2009, NACIL Jul 2009