Mangalore : Udupi – Chikmagalur MP K Jayaprakash Hegde has written to Union minister for civil aviation Ajith Singh requesting him to take steps to introduce direct flights to Saudi Arabia from Mangalore International Airport (MIA).

The MP quoting a feasibility report prepared in association with coastaldigest.com, a news portal, said that over two lakh people from south west coast are working in Saudi Arabia.

“Mangalore airport is the nearest airport for people of coastal Karnataka and Malnad regions, and Kasargod in northern Kerala. Hence it will be convenient if the civil aviation ministry direct the concerned to operate direct flights between Mangalore and Saudi Arabia,” Hegde said.

Quoting the study report, Hegde said, 60% of the people of the region, who are working in Saudi Arabia, travel once in a year.

“About 25% of frequent travellers prefer business and executive classes. About 15% travel at least once in two years and hundreds of families from west coast often visit their relatives in Saudi Arabia. Children of NRI parents, who are studying in India, too visit their parents in Saudi Arabia every year. In addition, thousands of Muslims from the region undertake pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia every year,” he added.

The number of passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and Coastal districts for the purpose of education, tourism and health has been increasing with every passing year, he said.

The study report also points out that the combined airfare of the international and domestic flights puts additional burden on the people. Many low-income NRIs in Saudi Arabia are not able to travel to their native place for several years because of the cost factor.

They either have to catch separate flights after reaching Mumbai or find some alternative solutions like road or railway which takes more days to reach Mangalore.

“The cost will be reduced considerably if Mangalore is connected Saudi Arabia directly,” the report adds. -Times of India