FOKIA seeks night operation permission for Kandla airport

The Federation of Kutch Industries Association (FOKIA) has sought permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow night operations at the Kandla airport in Gujarat's Kutch district.

FOKIA, in a letter addressed to Director General of DGCA, has requested for permission for night operations at Kandla Airport, Nimish Phadke, managing director of FOKIA told PTI.

"Industrialisation in the Kutch region has grown exponentially over the years where investment of Rs 1 lakh crores has taken place. Today, Kutch is credited with Kandla, Mundra and Tuna ports as the gateway for maritime cargo for the western and northern India," Phadke said.

Industries in the Kutch region are facing challenge of air connectivity, which is hampering the exploitation of their potential, he said.

"Currently, Kandla airport can handle only day time operations. This poses a restriction for business executives requiring to undertake travel beyond normal working hours, the need for which arises frequently, given their demanding schedules," the letter read.

The absence of night operations at Kandla seriously restricts movement, affecting attention to business operations. And in absence of scheduled air operators, existing units are dependent on the limited options that Bhuj airport provides, it said.

"Hence, we have demanded to the DGCA that night operations at Kandla airport be allowed. We have also shared this concern with Airports Authority of India and sought their help," Phadke said.