Navy’s move kicks up row

Visakhapatnam: The decision of Indian Navy to restrict the civilian flights from November 1 in selected slots will severely affect business houses and agencies and hit the both Centre and state governments economy and development in the region particularly.

The business houses expressed their deep dissent over the Navy’s move and said if such a decision is implemented, the Visakhapatnam region, one of the fastest growing one, the progress will be badly affected. 

INS Dega, Eastern Naval Command’s airfield is presently being used for civilian flights. However, in the recently held military-civil coordination meeting, the Indian Navy informed that an exclusive training programme will be launched for their personnel in MIG war flights in selected time slots from November 1 restricting the civilian flights during that period. 

According to Navy sources, the military slots are reserved for four and half hours from 9 am to 1.30 pm from Monday to Friday. In night two hours will be reserved for military slots from 7 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday and two hours from 9 am to 11 am for runway maintenance on weekends.

With this move, majority of airline operators are expressing their helplessness to operate flights in the given odd timings. According to information, 16 flight services against total 23 from Visakhapatnam airport will have to restrict their services.

AP Air Travelers Association, AP Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tours and Traveller Operator's Association, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), IT Park Association, Visakhapatnam, Builders Association of India and CREDAI are seriously opposing the move alerting both state and Central governments about the danger to economy and growth of Andhra Pradesh.