Vijayawada MP Seeks Expanded Air Routes, Applauds 'Irumudis' Flight Policy

Vijayawada Member of Parliament, Kesineni Sivanath, has formally requested Indian Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu to significantly enhance air connectivity from Vijayawada. The MP called for new direct flights to key domestic destinations such as Goa, Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune, Varanasi, and Kerala. Additionally, Sivanath emphasized the critical need for increased flight frequencies on existing routes to Delhi and Mumbai, aiming to better align with international departure schedules.

A central part of the MP's appeal included a plea for a direct air link between Vijayawada and Dubai, citing the substantial population of Andhra Pradesh residents living and working in the UAE. Sivanath also highlighted the necessity for improved connectivity to Kochi, Kerala, to support the travel needs of numerous medical assistants, health workers, and nurses from Vijayawada. Furthermore, he advocated for a direct route to Varanasi, noting a sharp rise in pilgrim traffic to the historic city.

In a letter submitted to Minister Naidu, Sivanath conveyed his gratitude for the recent decision to permit 'Irumudis' – sacred bundles carried by Ayyappa devotees – on flights. This policy change, according to the MP, has already led to a notable increase in flight bookings from Andhra Pradesh to Kerala, particularly benefiting Ayyappa pilgrims.