West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister P Ashok Gajapati Raju to ensure resumption of direct flights to the US and Europe from Kolkata Airport. Ms Banerjee’s desire is welcome, but she must know that before granting permission, the commercial airlines will assess the number of passengers generated by the prevailing socio-economic conditions of the State.
Industrial decline, followed by a shift in corporate head offices from Kolkata has robbed the city of substantial air passengers. Even today, small commercial establishments of negligible turnover are leaving West Bengal en masse.
Is Ms Banerjee aware of this new trendIJ Air travelers often say that by the time the flight reaches Kolkata, the carrier is almost empty. Commercial airlines must consider profitability before introducing a new service. The issue is not as simple as the appointment of the Cricket Association of Bengal’s new president.