Mangalore, February 15: Mangalore Airport Director MR Vasudeva has said that although Mangalore Airport has all qualifications to get international status, the government has a major role to play with regard to extension of the runway.
He was speaking at “Meet the Press” programme organised by Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalist Association at Press Club here on Tuesday.
The major demand is to extend the length of runway, so that Jumbo aircrafts can land and take off. Therefore, a proposal has been sent to government authorities and talks are on regarding the same, he said.
But the surrounding land should be acquired for the purpose. 10 families should be rehabilitated. Since the income of the Airport is only Rs 32 crores, the authority is thinking how to gain the required amount of Rs 250 crores, he pointed out.
It will be helpful for the development of neighbouring districts such as Kodagu, Udupi, Uttar Kannada and Kasaragod if the demand gets fulfilled, he said. The runway should be extended to meet the standards of Chennai Airport, he said, adding that there is a need of setting up of an Aerodrome hub.
The air cargo needs to be developed in the coming years and the existing cargo has the capacity of handling only 3-4 tons of goods.
Rubbishing the allegation that table top runway was the reason for air crash he said that the pilot should be held responsible for any tragedy after he took off from the runway.
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