Ivan blames airport officials for flight cancellation, delay in runway expansion

Ivan blames airport officials for flight cancellation, delay in runway expansion

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 5, 2014 : Congress leader and KPCC Secretary Ivan D’Souza who has deplored the cancellation of the Kuwait-Mangalore  flights since March this year, has alleged that a nexus between Kerala airport officials and the civil aviation department  was behind the cancellation of the flights which were a boon to frequent flyers on the route.

Speaking to reporters here on May 5, Monday, he also expressed his resentment over the delay in extending the runway of the airport.

Ivan further said even the functioning of the cargo terminal at the airport was not satisfactory and that it was only earning Rs 30,000 a month  as against the targeted Rs one lakh. He blamed the airport officials for the same.

Airport Director clarifies :Meanwhile, clarifying on the issue, Mangalore Airport Director JT Radhakrishna said the Kuwait Mangalore flights had to be cancelled  as the lease on borrowed flights had expired. He said he has already spoken to the Air India authorities and that a new deal of using flights on lease would be finalised within the next few months. He  also clarified that he was doing everything possible on his part to further the cause.

On the delay in the airport runway expansion works, the Airport Director said a letter written by Union Minister Veerappa Moily to Airport Authority of India states that an additional 285 acres land was required for the purpose.

He refuted the allegation that the airport officials were responsible for the loss incurred by cargo complex.