Protest against Karipur neglect

KOZHIKODE: Various political parties and trade and industry forums are up in arms against the state government for showing a step-motherly attitude to Calicut International Airport at Karipur. While the government cut aviation fuel tax for the Kannur International Airport, the benefit was not extended to the Karipur airport. 

Mr P.K. Kunhalikkutty MP of Indian Union Muslim League said, "the injustice to the passengers of Karipur airport should be resisted and defeated. The state government should take a positive stand on the issue," he said and added that political and legal steps would be taken to meet the demand. "The tax cut in fuel would help the airline operators to conduct services on a low fare from Kannur while the Karipur airport will cut a sorry figure, " he said. Already three airlines have shifted their operations to Kannur.

The Calicut International Airport has been struggling since the cutting down of vat for aviation fuel to the fights operating from KIAL to one percent from 28. Malabar Development Forum president K.M. Basheer alleged that the state government had cut the aviation fuel tax for KIAL for 10 years in a bid to give an edge to the airport. 

Malabar Development Council chairman C.E. Chakkunni told DC that a delegation would soon meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the issue. The landing and parking fee for flights at Karipur is also high. 

KIAL managing director V. Thulasidas told the media that the tax cut was part of the financial support given to the airport that facilitates Udan services to improve the flight connectivity of lower rung airports across the nation. On the move of the state government, he said that the state has to support an industrial project with high investment. He hoped that more international airlines will start operations from KIAL soon.