This refers to the editorial, “On the wings of change” (November 2). The civil aviation sector is riddled with problems. Passengers are sore with poor quality of service. While large airports are having a field day, small airports are lying in a limbo. The proposed new aviation policy aims to take corrective steps to overhaul the airlines. Aviation turbine fuel price is taking a toll on the airlines as are the sales tax rules. The Regional Connectivity Fund, to boost the regional connectivity scheme through the Rs2,500 per flying hour policy and two per cent hike in cess on domestic and international routes, are laudable.
This cross-subsidy is an incentive to the growth of the economy. The Government's intention is to have a fresh look at the route dispersal guidelines and to make the airlines profitable. Areas like the North-East, which are lagging behind due to poor connectivity, can recover lost ground. Most importantly, the crying need of the hour commencing operations from small airports in districts, seems to have caught the Government's attention.