Lakshya in Lakshadweep inaugurated: New airport with enhanced hospitality services

Lakshadweep is set to significantly improve its aerial connectivity with mainland India and the rest of the world in the coming years. This enhancement is facilitated through the proposed dual-use airfield in Minicoy, designed to accommodate both military and civilian aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-size planes, as well as fighter jets. Additionally, plans include extending the 20-year-old airstrip in Agatti to a final 1.2km length, enabling the operation of A320s instead of the current small turboprop aircraft.

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Future plans of Lakshadweep

Looking ahead, major Indian resort companies are actively seeking new locations in Lakshadweep. Taj Hotels has already announced the opening of new establishments in Suheli and Kadmat islands by 2026. There is also a focus on promoting cruise tourism to the archipelago in the Arabian Sea. Recognizing the potential of Lakshadweep, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy encourages Indians to act as ambassadors for the region, especially amid the ongoing dispute with the Maldives.

Lakshadweep air tickets sold out till March, showing poor connectivity.

Despite the promising developments, there are challenges in the existing air connectivity, as evidenced by the sell-out of Lakshadweep air tickets until March. The local administration claims to have taken steps to simplify travel, such as transitioning the mandatory e-permit process entirely online and lifting restrictions on travelers from certain areas. Previously, applicants, including Indian residents, had to pay a fee of Rs 200 at a bank and submit the deposit challan to apply for an entry permit. Now, the online system aims to issue permits within one or two days.

A Lakshadweep Airlines analysis

Highlighting the demand for improved air connectivity, Alliance Air, the sole Indian airline operating to Lakshadweep, has all its Kochi-Agatti-Kochi flights, the primary aerial route to the archipelago, fully booked until March. Lakshadweep Airlines, a government-owned entity facing financial challenges, operates a 70-seater turboprop ATR-72 daily to the region and is contemplating additional flights. In comparison, the Maldives boasts around 60 weekly flights from various Indian cities, primarily served by Desi Airlines alone.

Agatti runway extension Plan

Lakshadweep’s Deputy Director Giri Sankar reveals that alongside extending the existing Agatti airport runway, plans include establishing a greenfield airport at Minicoy, specifically designed for A320/B737 operations. The Agatti runway extension, vital for accommodating larger planes, has faced delays due to technical issues, with comments from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) pending.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Lakshadweep is actively pursuing measures to enhance its aerial connectivity, including the development of a dual-use airfield, extension of the Agatti airstrip, and plans for a new airport in Minicoy. The region is also attracting interest from major hotel chains, and efforts are being made to boost cruise tourism. Online reforms have streamlined the entry permit process, addressing some of the connectivity challenges, though there is still a need for further improvements in the aviation sector.