Vizag airport awaits Navy nod to go international

Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam airport is all set to go international once the Indian Navy gives its green signal as three international airlines are ready to operate flights from the industrial hub of the state.
However, highly-placed sources said the hitch is over the timings of the flights. While the international airlines - Air Arabia, Fly Dubai and Silk Airways - are asking for the night slot ie. after 11 pm till early in the morning, the airport currently functions only between 8 am and 8 pm because of the restrictions imposed by the Navy on night operations.
The Naval authorities claim it is not possible for them to operate night flights due to insufficient manpower and other logistics. "Due to this, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai and Silk Airways, which are keen to operate services from the port city to Sharjah, Dubai and Singapore are in a dilemma," sources said.
Air Travellers' Association of India Vizag chapter president D Varada Reddy told TOI that several private airlines are willing to operate domestic and international flights from Vizag. "Lack of night operating facilities is a major stumbling block," he said.
The airport, which is under the control of the Indian Navy, handles 12 domestic services to cater to the needs of north coastal districts and the neighbouring districts of Orissa and some parts of Chhattisgarh.
30/08/10 Times of India

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Categories: airports aug 2010, New Aug 2010