(a) whether Indian Airlines and Air India on their International flights to U.S.A., U.K, Europe and Gulf countries operate on a longer route via Ahmedabad and West Mumbai instead of Kutch territorial route causing loss due to extra expendiure on fuel and also consume more time;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor alongwith the amount lost annually on extra fuel; and
(c) steps taken by the Government to operate these flights over Bhuj territorial route?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Presently there are restrictions from Defence Authorities for the shorter route. Therefore, the air-route is not direct and aircraft have to cover additional distance. Due to this increased distance on the present route, about Rs.14.90 crores per annum is spent additionaly.
(c): The matter has been taken up with Defence authorities to allow operation on the shorter route over Bhuj.