Air Arabia, Emirates yet to launch international flights from Indore

Four months have passed since the MP government announced the launch of direct international flights by Air Arabia and Emirates from Indore. However, till date, very little progress has been made on the ground.

Four months have passed since the Madhya Pradesh government announced the launch of direct international flights by Air Arabia and Emirates from Indore airport. However, till date, very little progress has been made on the ground.

While Emirates has conducted a survey at airport for the proposed launch of the Indore-Dubai flight, the airline is yet to share the results with the authorities.

"The team has taken stock of the infrastructure at the airport. The survey included estimated passenger traffic from Indore and nearby areas for a direct Indore-Dubai flight," an airport official said.

In September 2014, Air Arabia and Emirates had applied to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry for permission to launch direct international flights from Indore. Officials of both the airlines also held a meeting with the state government and ministers in this regard.

"A few months ago, both the airlines were very interested in launching international flights from Indore after they got permission from the Centre. However, there has been no concrete development in this regard till now," a state government official said.

The Indore airport management has also taken steps to launch international flights. Officials said the airport has the required infrastructure to launch international flights. The airport management has sent a proposal to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for starting an excise and customs clearance counter.

The proposed flights would help export flowers, fruits and other agriculture products to the Gulf countries that would benefit the farmers. The government has also provided statistics related to the export of medicines from the region to foreign countries, following which Emirates showed an interest to link its international flight with cargo service.