Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has requested Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to intervene to retain Mangaluru as the crew base of Air India Express.
In a letter submitted to the Minister when met him in Delhi on Friday, Capt. Chowta said that the decision to shut down the Air India Express crew base in Mangaluru will have a profound impact on both the crew’s livelihoods and the travellers’ convenience.
The base’s high efficiency and 1,300 plus tonnes of cargo handling underscores its economic importance. Its closure will disrupt over 100 crew members, impact ancillary workers and strain the region. The presence of a local crew ensures quick turnarounds and enhances passenger experience, particularly for travellers from coastal, Malnad and North Kerala.
A decentralised approach with more regional crew bases will improve operational efficiency and support India’s growing aviation sector, the letter said.
“I urge your intervention in this matter and request the airline to explore alternative solutions that balance operational needs with employee and community welfare,” Capt. Chowta said.
The MP said that strategically located on the West coast, Mangaluru International Airport facilitates domestic and international travel, supporting educational institutions, industries and the IT sector by ensuring seamless connectivity with students, professionals and businesses. The airport is operational since 1951, the MP said.
Meanwhile, Capt. Chowta posted on X that he discussed with the Minister various matters relating to the airport which included land acquisition for the expansion and security purposes. “Pleased to share that action has been taken in this regard and the order for land acquisition will soon be released,” he wrote.
Published - April 06, 2025 08:51 pm IST
