NRI forums to protest for facilities at M'lore airport

Urging the government to fulfil various demands including starting budget airlines flights to Mangalore from Gulf countries, cancellation of airport user’s fees in Mangalore and increase in luggage limit, Mangalore International Airport Users Forum will stage a dharna, in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, on August 18.

Addressing a press conference, Mangalore International Airport Users Forum Co-ordinator Prabhakara Ambalathere said that flight rates to Calicut, Cochin and Trivandrum of Kerals are very low (Rs 9,280) whereas to Mangalore, it is four-times high (Rs 32,000). Mangalore airport is in need of budget airlines. Fly Dubai planes should be operated from Mangalore too. If the government delays, it would affect the business of the airport as well, he said.

He claimed that it is high time to stop collection of user fee in Mangalore International Airport (MIA), which was imposed on passengers to recover the construction cost of the airport. Urging to increase the luggage limit, he said, now the luggage limit has been reduced to 17 kg from 35 kg.

A person can carry only two sovereign and woman can carry four sovereign of gold. “Now, Mangalasutram itself weighs 4.5 sovereign. If the ornament weighs slight more, they are treated as smugglers,” he alleged.

MIA former director M R Vasudeva demanded to form a passengers’ forum and NRI cell in Mangalore. A full-fledged passport office should  come in City. A memorial for the Bajpe air accident victims with their details should be constructed and compensation should be given to the immediate kin.
 
Meanwhile, Prabhakara said that around 31 NRI organisations will support the dharna. Following the protest, the forum would meet the Prime Minister soon seeking solution to the problems with a committee headed by MP Nalin Kumar. A memorandum has been submitted to the MP already on this regard, he said.

On August 18, a rally will begin from Pumpwell at 9 am. It will continue through Bajpe accident site, airport, Jyothi circle and end in front of DC’s office. For information, contact  Prabhakara Ambalathere at 9945850116.