Kozhikode: Giving a boost for those battling for a new green field airport at Tiruvambadi, promoted by the Malabar Development Council (MDC), the state government has directed the district collectors of Kozhikode and Malappuram and director of Calicut International Airport at Karipur, to submit a report on the viability of the project.
The move for the second airport came in the wake of denial for wide-bodied aircrafts to operate in Karipur airport citing safety reasons. It is to be recalled that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) had suggested the state government to submit a proposal for a Green field airport at Tiruvambadi. To facilitate the move a company also has been recently formed.
MDC chairman C.E. Chakkunni told DC that the intervention of CM's office will instill confidence in the passengers' community that strongly recommend for the Tiruvambadi airport. "The Karipur airport registered a dip of Rs 4.5 crore in the revenue from passenger traffic and another Rs 1.5 crore in the revenue from cargo transport, as per the figures of a recent survey conducted by Airport Economy Regulatory Authority", he said, adding that soon the international status of the airport also would go. "The revenue of the airport would register steep dip once the Kannur airport starts its operations", he added.
