Madurai: Travel agents and aviation enthusiasts have opposed the proposed move by Air India to stop its flight connecting Madurai and Mumbai via Chennai. Although airline officials claim that it is a temporary measure, as the aircraft is to be deployed for Haj passenger movement, it has not gone down well with the tour operators.
The flight started in 1992 is one of the oldest from Madurai and is scheduled to stop between July 12 and September 30. The booking for this period was also cancelled a week ago. The flight starts from Mumbai at 8.55 am, reaches Chennai at 10.55 am and touches down at Madurai by 12.35 pm. In the return direction, it departs from Madurai at 1.15 pm to reach Chennai at 2.20 pm and Mumbai at 4.50 pm.
An Air India official said that the decision was taken without consultation at the station level and they have been opposing the proposal as it was flying packed. “It will take time to get the same patronage once it is restored. It would be wiser not to disturb it. This is the first time such a proposal has been made,” he said.
Former travel club president B S G Mustafa expressed apprehension that the move might affect tourism in the southern district as it was the most preferred flight for those from North India to places in southern Tamil Nadu like Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
“It is a prestigious flight for Madurai and as well as for Air India, since it is being operated for decades. It has a very good patronage. Since it might affect the revenue generation for the operator, they should consider diverting a flight where the patronage is lesser,” he said.
01/07/18 Times of India
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The flight started in 1992 is one of the oldest from Madurai and is scheduled to stop between July 12 and September 30. The booking for this period was also cancelled a week ago. The flight starts from Mumbai at 8.55 am, reaches Chennai at 10.55 am and touches down at Madurai by 12.35 pm. In the return direction, it departs from Madurai at 1.15 pm to reach Chennai at 2.20 pm and Mumbai at 4.50 pm.
An Air India official said that the decision was taken without consultation at the station level and they have been opposing the proposal as it was flying packed. “It will take time to get the same patronage once it is restored. It would be wiser not to disturb it. This is the first time such a proposal has been made,” he said.
Former travel club president B S G Mustafa expressed apprehension that the move might affect tourism in the southern district as it was the most preferred flight for those from North India to places in southern Tamil Nadu like Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
“It is a prestigious flight for Madurai and as well as for Air India, since it is being operated for decades. It has a very good patronage. Since it might affect the revenue generation for the operator, they should consider diverting a flight where the patronage is lesser,” he said.
01/07/18 Times of India
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