An MoU was signed by Andaman Nicobar Command and Airport Authority of India in Port Blair yesterday to boost inter-island connectivity under Udaan Scheme. As per the MoU, naval airfields at Shibpur (in Diglipur) in North Andaman and in Campbell Bay will be utilized for civil operations. Passenger flights will be connecting Port Blair directly to Diglipur and Campbell Bay, the two extreme corners of the archipelago.
The MoU was signed by Jameel Khaliq, Director, Port Blair Airport and Commanding Officers INS Kohasaa and INS Baaz i.e. Capt. Satish Mishra and Capt. Jitendra Navet. Now the bidding process for operating flights will be initiated. This would pave the way for infrastructure development and passenger terminals on these remote islands.
A low-cost 20-passenger flight to be operated between these islands as per the vision of the Udaan Scheme.
Presently, Heli services are available to Diglipur and Campbell in a very limited capacity. Diglipur is the third most populous town in Andaman while a major transshipment port is to come up in Campbell Bay.
Having a direct flight from Port Blair to Diglipur and Campbell will reduce the hardship of daily passengers, especially in case of emergency. This will also boost tourism growth in the islands.
