JOIN USAir connectivity to Mysore seems to be gaining currency with Spicejet resuming operations between Mysore and Bangalore, so much so, another private flyer is keen on starting services by the year-end. Saturday saw Mysore Airport receive 24 passengers from Bangalore. The passengers included foreign tourists, businessmen, corporate executives et al.
Briefing reporters, Mysore Airport Director C N Manjunath said Vijayawada-based regional airline Air Costa has evinced interest to start its services to Mysore. Services may commence from the year-end and may fulfil the demand formorning flights to Bangalore.
Manjunath said after a strong demand from stakeholders, companies like Infosys, Wipro and others, Spicejet reworked its strategies to resume services again. The airliner is offering six-day service (except on Tuesdays) as opposed to three days it used to fly to Mysore previously. The aircraft departs from Chennai at 12.10 pm landing at Bangalore at 1.10 pm; leaving from Bangalore at 1.40 pm and arriving at Mysore at 2.40 pm. It flies back from Mysore at 3.30 pm, touching Bangalore at 4.25 pm; departing at 6 pm from Bangalore to land in Chennai at 7 pm. There are no changes in tariff, he said.
Besides Spicejet, several private charters land at the airport. However, airport expansion is must to operate Boeing aircrafts. Ruling out expansion of Mysore Airport Member of Parliament A H Vishwanath said the government was concentrating on development of NH-212 which passes close to the airport. PWD had signed an undertaking to deviate the road in future when airport expansion works commence. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has earmarked Rs 147 crore for the project.