KOZHIKODE: Though wide-bodied aircraft resumed operations from Calicut International Airport on Dec 5 after three years, the frequency of flights is not enough to meet the demand.
Malabar Development Council chairman C.E. Chakkunni said though much pressure was on, the Air India is yet to finalise their services of big aircraft in the Gulf sector from here.
"It was the uncompromising stand taken by M.K. Raghavan MP that resulted in resuming big aircraft movements," he told DC.
"Even now majority passengers from the region have to depend on either Cochin or Kannur."
There were widespread allegations that it was the pressure from some vested interests that resulted in the delay.
Though the services were banned citing the renovation of the runway in 2015, even after completing the work, big aircraft continued to keep away triggering a series of agitations.
Mr Raghavan conducted a day-night hunger strike drawing massive public support. All other political camps including BJP started campaigning for the opening of the airport for big aircraft. Saudi Airlines was the first to express willingness to operate large aircraft from here.
