Bhuj: The Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has raised concerns over irregular flight services from Kandla Airport to Mumbai and Delhi. Businessmen and industrialists in East Kutch, including those in the sectors like ports, SEZs, timber, salt, oil, steel, cement, textiles, ceramics, and fertilisers said they face financial losses due to frequent cancellations.

In response to these issues, GCCI has written a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, MP Vinod Chavda, and MLA Maltiben Maheshwari. They urged them to intervene and resolve the air connectivity problems. They emphasised the role of reliable air transportation in supporting the economic development of East Kutch, which is experiencing growth in tourism and the influx of NRIs and NRGs.

President Mahesh Pujara pointed out the infrastructure challenges at Kandla Airport, including the limited night landing facilities and the necessity for runway expansion. Despite being equipped for night landings, the airport lacks adequate staff and equipment. Therefore, the entire Kutch district is deprived of proper air services.

GCCI’s honorary secretary, Mahesh Tirthani, disclosed that the Chamber had conducted a survey for runway expansion in collaboration with a private aviation company. He also urged to improve connectivity with major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore which is crucial for East Kutch’s economic vitality. DeshGujarat