Question : SERVICES TO SMALL AIRPORTS



(a) whether a number of scheduled airlines have withdrawn their services to small airports in the country during the last three years;

(b) if so, reasons for the same; and

(c) the action proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


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

(a)to (c):- No, Madam. In year 2007, the airlines operated on 82 stations, which have increased to 85 in year 2008 and to 86 in year 2009.

Government has laid down route dispersal guidelines with a view to achieving better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions of the country including North-East region. It is, however up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability. As such, the airlines are free to operate anywhere in the country subject to compliance of Route Dispersal Guidelines issued by Government.