(a) whether the operation of civil carrier Air Deccan has been stopped abruptly at Surat Airport since July,2005;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to provide air services of public/private airlines from Surat Airport?
- MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a),(b)and (c):- Air Deccan has informed that they have suspended operations w.e.f. 21st July, 2005 due to cancellation of flights on account of poor visibility during winter, water logging in monsoon and non-availability of Navaids. Air Deccan has informed that when the upgradation of airport work at Surat is completed, they have plans to reconsider Surat operations depending on the market conditions. The Government has laid down route dispersal guidelines with a view to achieve 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.