XI LOK SABHA DEBATES,   Session V (Monsoon) 

Thursday, August 07/Shravana 16, 1919 (Saka)



Type of Debate:	SPECIAL MENTION

Title:	Need to  provide additional flights from Thiruvananthapuram and 
Kozhikode sector to Gulf Countries.

TEXT :
 SHRI  KODIKUNNIL  SURESH  (ADOOR): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to draw the
attention of this hon. House to the silence of the Ministry of Civil  Aviation
on the alarming situation ... (Interruptions)

MR. CHAIRMAN: This matter was already raised on the 4th August, 1997.

SHRI MULLAPPALLY  RAMACHANDRAN  Who  raised it?  Nobody from Kerala has raised
this issue.


MR.  CHAIRMAN:  That  is  not written here in the list but it has already been
raised.

SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN But it is a major issue concerning allocation of
foodgrains to the State of Kerala.

MR.  CHAIRMAN: Anyway, let Shri Suresh raise his matter now; after that, I may
allow you. Please take your seat.

SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH (ADOOR): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like  to  draw  the
attention  of  the hon. House to the silence of the Ministry of Civil Aviation
on the alarming situation of the Gulf passengers who  have  been  stranded  in
Kerala  due to non-availability of sufficient flights for their journey to the
Gulf countries.

	As of today, there are more  than  5,000  passengers  waiting  to  get
flight  tickets  to  the  Gulf countries from Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode
Airports. The Ministry is reluctant to provide additional flights and not even
permitting the private airlines which are ready to operate  during  this  peak
season.  It  is  pertinent  to  note  that  Air  India and Indian Airlines are
providing  additional  flights  from  other  sectors  but  have  excluded  the
Trivandrum and Calicut sector.

	I  therefore  urge  upon the hon. Minister to intervene in this matter
and provide additional  flights  from  the  Thiruvananthapuram  and  Kozhikode
sector to the Gulf countries during peak seasons.

	Thank you.




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