Private operators await DGCA nod to operate services from Arakkonam Naval Airbase near Chennai

Air India sends 120-seater to Arakkonam from Hyderabad

Regional airlines are waiting for the Director General of Civil Aviation(DGCA)'s permission to operate services from the Arakkonam Naval Airbase station, which has been used for airlifting of stranded passengers at Chennai airport from Thursday.

Hyderabad-based TruJet airlines managing director Umesh Vankayalapati said they have applied for operating the services from this makeshift airport to Hyderabad till the Chennai airport reopens for regular services. "We expect to get the permission from DGCA by tomorrow morning," he told Business Standard.

A spokesperson of Vijayawada-based regional airline AirCosta, said they too are planning to operate services between Chennai and Hyderabad from Arakkonam as soon as DGCA gives clarity in this regard.

"As of now the Rajali naval air station is being used for evacuation of the stranded passengers only and we are ready to operate services for this purpose between Chennai and Hyderabad," the AirCosta spokesperson said.

Meanwhile on Thursday evening the national carrier Air India has sent an aircraft to Arakkonam from Hyderabad to bring passengers here. "The aircraft is taking off as we speak and it can carry 120 passengers. We do not know how many passengers will be boarding this plane at Arakkonam at this point," an Air India spokesperson said.

This is the first flight pressed into service for carrying passengers from Arakkonam after the test landing was carried out by the airlines yesterday, according to the spokesperson.

While Bangalore-bound air passengers were shifted to Bangalore city by road yesterday, some of the passengers were taken to Delhi by the Indian Airforce plans today morning from this naval airstation, according to the reports.