Junagadh: After over two decades, Keshod airport is back to life. Keshod is the nearest airport to Somnath mandir and Gir lion sanctuary. A new flight service connecting Keshod to Mumbai was inaugurated today by union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Scindia on this occasion announced another new flight connecting Porabdar to Delhi from April 27. Scindia described himself as the son-in-law of Gujarat. He said Keshod airport has been made functional again at a cost of Rs. 25 crore under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Modi. After Keshod – Mumbai, the next shall be Keshod – Ahmedabad flight, he said adding that new flights connecting Ahmedabad to Amrutsar, Agra, Ranchi have been started.

Meanwhile Rajya Sabha member and son of Saurashtra, Parimal Nathwani in a Facebook post suggested that Keshod airport should have night landing facility in future and runway should be expanded to allow bigger flights to operate. Nathwani in his Facebook post stated: As newly revamped Keshod Airport is inaugurated, I thank Hon PM Sh Narendra Modi for his guidance & vision, & Sh Jyotiraditya Scindia & Hon CM Sh Bhupendra Patel for speedy work on the airport. Owing to its proximity to Sasan Gir & Somnath, the airport will provide a great boost to tourism in the region. While only day flights are being operated currently, requesting the Hon. Minister Sh Jyotiraditya Scindia to consider allowing night landing too. If the runway is expanded using 300 meter of adjoining land, bigger flights can also be operated. DeshGujarat