Lok Sabha Question No. 3933 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-19
Subject: Commencement of International Flights in Kerala
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3933

(To be answered on the 19 th  December 2024)

## COMMENCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL FLIHGTS IN KERALA

## 3933. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has taken steps to attract more international airline operators to Kerala and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of any ongoing discussions or agreements with international airlines to commence operations to major airports in Kerala;
- (c) the current number of international airlines operating in Kerala and the total destinations served;
- (d) the specific measures being undertaken by the Government to enhance infrastructure and services at international airports in Kerala to support increased airline operations;
- (e) whether the Government has considered to offer incentives or concessions to encourage international airlines to operate to and from Kerala;
- (f)  the  estimated impact of additional international airline operators on tourism, trade and employment in Kerala; and
- (g) the steps being taken to address connectivity issues to lesser-served regions of Kerala to ensure equitable development across the State?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (e) The international operations of airlines are governed by bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and the respective country. In accordance with ASA, Indian designated carriers are free to mount operations to/from any point in India including points in Kerala to foreign destinations as

per mutually agreed capacity limits, while any designated foreign airline can operate to/from a point in India if it is designated as a point of call in the ASA. The start of direct international flights from any point in India is purely a commercial decision of scheduled airlines on the basis of passenger demand, availability of slots, economic viability of the route and other associated factors. The Government has provided an enabling environment for the growth of the civil aviation sector and it does not interfere in the operational plans of the airlines. Presently, 26 carriers including Indian carriers are operating scheduled international air transport services from Kerala to 13 foreign countries. Upgradation/ modernisation of airports is a continuous process and is undertaken  by  Airports  Authority  of  India  (AAI)  and  other  Airport Operators/Developers from time to time depending on the availability of land, commercial viability,  socio-economic  considerations,  traffic  demand  / willingness  of  airlines  to  operate  to/from  such  airports. Accordingly, infrastructure enhancement works such as Construction of Office  Complex,  Cargo  complex,  Barrack  building,  Peripheral  roads including Internal and External Electrical installations has been completed at Kannur International Airport, Work regarding Business Jet Terminal & Exclusive Terminal for International Import Cargo - with a handling capacity of 1,50,000 MT per annum has been completed at Cochin International Airport and Infrastructure development such as Terminal Refurbishment works,  Terminal  Works  airside  works,  landside  works  and  Design Consultancy have  been undertaken at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. (f) Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has not conducted any specific study on the estimated impact of additional international airline operators on tourism, trade, and employment in Kerala. However, enhanced air connectivity provides a conducive environment for the growth of tourism, trade, and employment.

(g) MoCA launched Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) on 21.10.2016 to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country and make air travel affordable to the masses. RCS-UDAN has provided stimulus to the aviation sector in the country by, inter alia, development of airports/heliports/water aerodromes in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. During the last eight years after commencement of the scheme, 615 RCS routes connecting 87 unserved and underserved airports (including 13 heliports & 02 water aerodromes) have been operationalised till date, which include 20 routes for Kerala.

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