MANGALURU
Breaking the monopoly of airlines to level prices, remediating guest services, connections to Europe and the USA, making Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) one of the haj embarkation points, and allowing fish export cargo on domestic and international flights were high on the wish list of stakeholders during the interactive session organised by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the officials of the MIA.
William D’Souza, Managing Director, Globe Travels, said the Pranaam guest services offered at MIA were not satisfactory, and needed improvement. Secondly, MIA has to work towards making the airport one of the haj embarkation points, he said, adding that Mangaluru has to be projected as one of the destinations for medical tourism. Vikram Falodiya, chief hospitality officer, MIA, said that they were working on reducing Aviation Turbine Fuel tax, which is around 18 percent in Karnataka, whereas it is just 1 percent in neighbouring states such as Kerala. This will help in reduction of airfare, he said. On having more airlines, Falodiya said that MIA always welcomes any airline operator. In fact, SpiceJet, which stopped operations from MIA, is keen to resume services to Dubai. When it comes to introducing foreign flights such as Air Arabia, FlyDubai or others, there are certain rules to follow, like bilateral agreements and seat sharing, he said.
There is also a plan to have a village concept outside the terminal, restobar and other eateries, which will be not only open for air passengers, but also for the public. There is also a plan for a lounge and new duty-free outlet, which are in progress, and likely to open soon. Terminal modification is also proposed. J Naik, lead cargo, Henry Fernandes, head (commerical), MIA, and members of KCCI were present.
