Rajagopal P Swamy
After an eight-month hiatus,air travel resumed from Puducherry on Friday with the launch of Indigo Airlines services to Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
SpiceJet,the previous operator,had ceased operations in March due to operational challenges.
Following the territorial administration’s appeal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation,Indigo stepped in to operate ATR-72 flights from Puducherry.
The inaugural flight from Bengaluru landed at 12:15 PM, receiving a traditional water cannon salute.
Lieutenant Governor,K.Kailashnathan,Chief Minister,N. Rangasamy,and other dignitaries witnessed the event.
The Chief Minister expressed hope for future route expansions to Goa,Thoothukudi,and Rajahmundry,and highlighted plans to expand the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.
Airport Director K.Rajasekhar Reddy emphasized the convenience and tourism benefits of the resumed air service.