In reference to the news “GMR begins airport transformation with Rs 300 crore upgrade” published on the front page of The Hitavada CityLine on July 9. The handing over of Nagpur Airport to GMR was done a few days back in a glittering ceremony inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways. In his speech, he expressed his desire for flights from Nagpur to Singapore, Thailand and other countries. Nagpur is a centrally located city in India, and a large number of trains pass through the city towards all directions of the country. However, in terms of air connectivity, the city airport presents a very poor picture.

 

There are no domestic flights to Ayodhya, an important pilgrimage destination, as well as to Lucknow, Patna, Srinagar and Jaipur. Whatever flights operate to Delhi, Mumbai or a few other places also do not operate on a regular basis. Air India, every now and then, cancels its flights abruptly after taking bookings months in advance. Many flight timings suitable for Nagpurians have been discontinued by IndiGo and Air India.

 

There are only two international flights, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways, which also discontinue their flights whenever the operators feel comfortable. As a result, all passengers from Nagpur have to go to Mumbai or Delhi to take onward flights, for which they incur additional expenses, and this has been going on for many years. There is large-scale development going on in Nagpur to modernise it and bring it at par with other metro cities, but air connectivity has not been given any attention.