admin The scenic Andaman and Nicobar Islands have achieved a significant milestone with the successful night landing of an Air India flight at INS Utkrosh, a naval air station under the joint-services Andaman and Nicobar Command of the Indian Armed Forces. This development is expected to enhance air connectivity and boost tourism in the region. The Air India Airbus A321, carrying 68 passengers, landed at INS Utkrosh on the evening of June 28. The air station is located on the premises of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.
According to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the aircraft departed from Kolkata at around 5:40 pm and landed in Port Blair at 7:34 pm. The successful night landing marks a significant step towards improving air connectivity to the islands, benefiting both residents and tourists. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) played a crucial role in this achievement by upgrading the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT-I at Veer Savarkar International Airport to accommodate the anticipated increase in tourist inflows.
Strategic Developments and International Expansion
INS Utkrosh’s capability to handle both day and night operations is not only of strategic importance but also a crucial step in improving regional connectivity. This development aligns with the ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik’ (UDAN) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread. A senior official from the Andaman and Nicobar Command emphasised the importance of this development and urged private airlines to utilise the night landing and takeoff facilities at Port Blair airport.
In a significant move to enhance international connectivity, AirAsia announced plans to start operations from Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur in November. Currently, Veer Savarkar International Airport does not handle any international flights, making this a transformative development for the region. Local authorities have waived landing charges for AirAsia to encourage this initiative. AirAsia plans to operate thrice-weekly flights, with departures from Port Blair scheduled at 11 am and arrivals in Kuala Lumpur at 4:15 pm. Return flights will depart from Kuala Lumpur at 10:40 am and arrive in Port Blair at 10:25 pm.
Civil Aviation Secretary in Port Blair, Vishwendra, welcomed AirAsia’s decision and expressed hope for more international flights in the future. He assured that all necessary support would be provided to facilitate this expansion, which could significantly increase international tourist arrivals in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These developments underscore a new era of connectivity and growth for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, promising to enhance the region’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.
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