International air connectivity from Tirupati gets big push

Tirupati: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has pitched for direct international air connectivity between Tirupati and destinations like Kuwait, a long-standing demand of people from the region and overseas devotees visiting the temple city.

Despite Tirupati airport being accorded international airport status in June 2017, the pilgrim city has so far remained without a direct international flight connection. A direct service to Kuwait is expected to particularly benefit devotees and residents from the Rayalaseema region who have been seeking easier air access to the Gulf country.

The minister made the remarks while virtually inaugurating the first flight of regional carrier FLY91 to Tirupati. With its entry into the city, FLY91 has added Tirupati as its 13th destination and its third station in the state.

The airline has introduced direct services linking Tirupati with Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry. The Tirupati-Hyderabad flight will operate daily, while services to Vijayawada will run four days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Rajahmundry service will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The flight arrives from Hyderabad at 07.40 hrs, departs from Tirupati at 08.05 hrs and reaches Vijayawada at 09.15 hrs and again departs from Vijayawada at 09.45 hrs and reaches Tirupati at 10.50 hrs. Similarly, the flight arrives from Hyderabad at 7.40 hrs, departs from Tirupati at 8.05 hrs and reaches Rajahmundry at 9.30 hrs and again departs from Rajahmundry at 10.00 hrs and reaches Tirupati at 11:25 hrs. Naidu said improved air connectivity was important for Tirupati, which receives millions of pilgrims every year. He said efforts were under way to establish direct links with international destinations, including Kuwait, to make travel more convenient for devotees coming from abroad. The Hyderabad connection will provide passengers with access to a major aviation hub and onward links to several domestic and international destinations.

FLY91 founder, Managing Director and CEO Manoj Chacko said Tirupati was an important addition to the airline's network. He said the new routes were aimed at strengthening connections between regional centres and meeting the travel requirements of local communities. The airline's expansion follows its firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft from French manufacturer ATR, supporting its plans to widen regional air connectivity across the country. Meanwhile, the inaugural flight was welcomed at Tirupati airport with the customary water cannon salute by the Fire Department of Airports Authority of India. Airport Director D Boominathan and other dignitaries handed over the first boarding pass to a passenger followed by the cake cutting ceremony at Tirupati Airport.

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Pradeep Vennelakanti

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