Tripura government sought intervention of Civil Aviation Ministry after SpeiceJet announced to suspend operation in Tripura from September 1.
Officials sources on Friday said Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has also personally taken up the matter with Civil Aviation Minister Jayanata Sinha. He urged Mr. Sinha to ensure continuation of the present flight availability at Agartala airport.
SpiceJet authority in a letter on July 11 informed Airport Director to stop operation in the sector from September 1 and that it will operate the last flight on August 1. The letter did not provide any specific reason for the suspension of flights.
Earlier Jet Airways withdrew from Tripura in 2012 followed by a few other small airlines. Sources said despite providing concessions in many ways, private airlines were showing reluctance for being unable to make large profit in flight operations in the region.
Indigo and Air India are two other airliners which are operating in Tripura. Indigo runs direct flights between Agartala and places such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal and Silchar.
The state government swung into action after airport authority forwarded a copy of the letter to Chief Secretary and Transport Secretary. Sources said the state government was also exploring possibility to lower VAT to further encourage air operators.