In an exciting development to enhance inter-island connectivity, the terminal buildings at Shibpur in North Andaman and Car Nicobar in Nicobar have been completed, with flight operations expected to commence in July.
According to an official statement issued on Monday (April 1), a 19-seater fixed-wing aircraft will operate between Port Blair-Shibpur and Port Blair to Car Nicobar, with a private company already chosen as the designated operator for these routes.
The airport director Devender Yadav, while speaking during the celebration of the Airports Authority of India’s 29th foundation day at Veer Savarkar International Airport, said, “Both these sectors will be connected with Port Blair under UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) schemes, benefiting tourists and enabling exploration of exotic places in North Andaman and Nicobar districts. We anticipate flight operations to begin in July.”
In-line baggage handling system at Port Blair airport
He also informed that the authorities are planning to set up an in-line baggage handling system, with the aim to streamline passenger processing at Veer Savarkar airport in Port Blair.
“Airports serve as a major catalyst for economic development of a region by aiding both tourism and trade. According to an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) study, every Rs 100 spent on air transport contributes to Rs 325 worth of benefits and every 100 direct job creation in air transport results in 610 job creation in the region,” Yadav said.