KOCHI: Cochin international airport will assume a new role on the international aviation map if the current plans of the airport authorities to tap the hidden potential of the low-cost airline sector bear fruit. With more and more low-cost airliners starting operations from the airport and the number of people flying in low-cost airlines increasing, CAIL authorities are planning to make the airport a regional hub for low cost airlines.
“People preferring low-cost flying and travelling to Far East destinations from the Gulf and vice-versa are an emerging genre and Kochi is set to be the transit point for them. Low-cost airlines operate highly fuel-efficient Boeing 737 family and Airbus 320 family aircraft only. These aircraft can fly only four to five hours at one stretch. Flying from Gulf destinations to Far East destinations takes eight hours while from the Gulf and Far East to Kochi it takes only four hours. These position Kochi to be the hub for low-cost flying in the region,” said Mr A C K Nair, CIAL airport director.
The tourism department too is in sync with the idea. “Tourists coming from the Gulf can spend a few days in Kerala and savour its charm and then proceed to Far East destinations like Macau, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and also destinations like Mali and Sri Lanka,” said Mr Nair.
Currently Air Arabia, Indigo, Spice Jet and Fly Dubai are the low-cost airlines operating from the Gulf countries to Kochi. Tiger Airways is the low-cost airliner linked to Singapore while Malindo and Air Asia operate to other Far East destinations. Sri Lanka Airlines connects to Colombo and Spice Jet connects to Mali.
“Gulf carriers such as Emirates are flying over the sea in Indian airspace to reach Far East destinations non-stop and the operation of low-cost carriers through Kochi would be the alternative with one stop. Travelers can save money and Kerala needs to be positioned as an ideal tourist destination,” he said.
