Question : CANCELLATION OF FLIGHTS FROM CALICUT

(a) whether the Government is aware of the prevailing severe situation at the Karipur Airport of Calicut in Kerala regarding the sudden cancellation and rescheduling of its international flights without any prior intimation;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to regulate the situation;

(c) whether recently officials from Air India had visited Calicut to make on the spot study of the whole issue; and

(d) if so, the outcome of the visits and the remedial measures suggested and proposed to be implemented?

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) and (b): Over the last 6 months, all Air India flights from Calicut have operated except 2 flights which were cancelled in October, 2007. Further, due to operational constraints, 2 flights per week had been re-scheduled for a period of 3 months. However, effective Winter schedule, all flights have been reverted to the original schedule.

As far as Air India Express and erstwhile Indian Airlines are concerned, few re-schedulings occured due to reasons such as bad weather etc.

(c) and (d): Yes, Sir. Executive Director - Southern India and Executive Director - Corporate Communication visited Calicut to assess the situation. To ensure on-time departure, it was decided to position an additional Air India Express aircaft as standby at Calicut until 10 November, 2007. Presently, an aircraft is on standby in Kochi and Mumbai which can be sent to Calicut in case of prolonged delays. Senior officers are closely monitoring all incoming and outgoing flights from Calicut and are empowered to take corrective action in case of any emergency.