Port Blair, June 04: Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has requested the Lt. Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to increase the frequency of the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service in Port Blair – Car Nicobar – Campbell Bay and Campbell Bay – Car Nicobar – Port Blair route.
The service, currently operated by the Directorate of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Andaman and Nicobar Command, has played a crucial role in improving air transportation to the remote Nicobar District.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, he said that the existing Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service, which runs twice a week on the Port Blair – Car Nicobar – Campbell Bay and Campbell Bayr – Car Nicobar – Port Blair route, has been widely appreciated by Islanders. Since its inception on 5th August 2016, the service has provided a much-needed lifeline to the residents of Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay.
Despite facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service resumed operations in November 2021 and has consistently showcased its reliability and efficiency.
Considering the scattered nature of the islands and the inherent transportation challenges, the Member of Parliament requested the Lt. Governor to consider increasing the frequency of the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service.
He recommended a daily service or, at the very least, four times a week, on the Port Blair – Car Nicobar – Campbell Bay and Campbell Bay – Car Nicobar – Port Blair route.
He mentioned that the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service is operated from Point to Point, where there is a runway and also major population density. If frequency of this the Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft service is increased then presently operated Helicopter service can accommodate more passengers from small Islands like Nancowry, Katchal, Kamorta, Teressa, Hut Bay, Saheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, North and Middle Andaman etc. and make more sorties to remote Islands, which doesn’t have a runway.
He pointed out that soon the International Airport Terminal will be operational and it will surely give a boost to trade and commerce activities and hence there will be great need for fast movement of people from one Island to another in the coming days.
