Sindhudurg-Mumbai Flights Grounded, Leaving Passengers Clueless Amid Diwali
Sindhudurg-Mumbai Flights Grounded, Leaving Passengers Clueless Amid Diwali
Flight operations between Sindhudurg and Mumbai have come to a sudden halt, causing inconvenience to locals and tourists, especially with Diwali around the corner.
The Chipi Airport in Sindhudurg, inaugurated in October 2021, was expected to boost connectivity and tourism in the region. However, Alliance Air, the sole operator on this route, discontinued its services citing an expired three-year contract.
“This decision will have far-reaching negative effects on tourism and the economy of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut in a letter to Union Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
सिंधुदुर्ग (चिपी) ते मुंबई विमानसेवा बंद करण्याच्या निर्णयाचा विरोध करत, केंद्रीय हवाई वाहतूक मंत्र्यांना निवेदनाद्वारे विमान वाहतूक सुरू ठेवण्याची विनंती केली. pic.twitter.com/obOaQ9Nb80
— VinayakRaut_Official (@Vinayakrauts) October 25, 2024
Raut urged the ministry to intervene and ensure the flights resume in public interest. Locals and business owners, who rely heavily on air travel, echoed Raut’s concerns.
“We’re disappointed and frustrated,” said a regular traveller. “The airport was a game-changer for our region.”
Alliance Air officials said they’re reviewing the situation and discussing continuation with the central aviation ministry.
With Diwali approaching, passengers await a resolution, hoping to regain their convenient air travel option.
