International flights from Tirupati to become reality

International flights from Tirupati to become reality
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Highlights

Decks have been cleared for the operation of international flights from Tirupati airport with the immigration and customs offices in place in the airport. According to the sources, following the Union Home Ministry and Intelligence Bureau consent, the Foreigners Registration Regional Office (FRRO) was established with Tirupati Urban SP acting as FRRO, and a DSP was also appointed for the office -

Tirupati: Decks have been cleared for the operation of international flights from Tirupati airport with the immigration and customs offices in place in the airport. According to the sources, following the Union Home Ministry and Intelligence Bureau consent, the Foreigners Registration Regional Office (FRRO) was established with Tirupati Urban SP acting as FRRO, and a DSP was also appointed for the office - a prerequisite for the operation of international flight services.

The international airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year in October after developing the airport in an area spread over about 1000 acres. However, the operation of the international flights are yet to commence by the international air service provider for the want of immigration and customs offices which is now ready, clearing the way for operation of international flights from here.


Highlights:

  • Union Home Ministry completes requisite clearances and gives nod for setting up immigration and customs offices
  • State carrier Air India is likely to start its overseas service to Dubai before extending it to US and allowing other airliners
  • In all likelihood, foreign flights are expected to take off from the temple town by October-end

Air India, the State carrier had already made a survey on the market position with regard to international passengers to identify the destinations to be covered while other international flight operators are also assessing the demand position in the catchment areas of Tirupati international airport which includes Chittoor, Kadapa, Nellore and Partly Prakasam districts.

It is learnt that the Air India is mulling to start its flight service first from here to Dubai, and also one or two cities in US which is still to be finalised, which is also via Dubai. Depending on the demand, international flight services will be extended to other places later. Enquiries revealed that the international flight services in all probabilities will commence from Tirupati airport by October end, fulfilling the long cherished demand.

Meanwhile, the Tirupati airport has registered more than 100 per cent increase in the number of passengers during the summer this year, which is a record of sorts. The peak in the passenger traffic to Tirupati during summer is due to hordes of pilgrims visiting Tirumala. According to sources, the number of domestic passengers using the airport here is also swelling year after year.

A total number of about 1.1 lakh passengers were recorded in April, May and July this year against 48,000 during the same period last year, registering more than 100 per cent increase in the number of domestic passengers.

There are 11 arrivals and 11 departures of flights daily, while the average number of passengers is about 1700 (daily), said an officer indicating further surge of domestic passengers in the coming days. The daily flight services from here include services to Vizag via Vijayawada, Hyderabad and Vijayawada direct and Delhi via Hyderabad.

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