Kozhikode: New services including that of Emirates operating wide-bodied aircraft from Calicut International Airport will bring "multifaceted development" to the region, says Malabar Development Council (MDC).
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, chairman C.E. Chakkunny said whenever the airport met a crisis, like-minded people gathered breathing new life through concerted efforts.
The Airport Authority of India said the Dubai-based airline would conduct a compatibility study and safety assessment here on March 4.
On the possible launching of wide-bodied aircraft services of Emirates, Mr Chakkunni said that it was the result of a visit to Dubai by a delegation of MDC on the inaugural flydubai flight and meeting the heads of Emirates that resulted in the green signal for widebody jets.
"The airline officials had expressed readiness to execute a majority of our demands," he said.
"Both the services and the Air India waiting in the wings would ensure the growth of the airport," he added. "The Code-E services of Saudi Airlines also would resume soon."
Mr Chakkunni also claimed that there was a dip in flyers to Bengaluru, Kochi, and Mangalore after the Kannur airport opened.
The group also demanded the state to take steps to acquire more land for expansion.
The airport needs 157 acres, and it is essential as more wide-bodied aircraft resumed services, he said.
