Shelved INS Baaz Runway Plan Sparks Fears for Andaman Tourism

The Indian government has halted plans to extend the runway at INS Baaz in Campbell Bay, a decision that casts a long shadow over the future of tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Projections suggest that without improved air connectivity, the region's tourism growth could be stifled for at least another five years.

According to The Wave Andaman, experts believe that the islands cannot reach their full tourism potential without significant enhancements to air travel infrastructure. The issue extends beyond just the runway; it encompasses the persistent problem of high airfares and ongoing operational challenges at the Veer Savarkar Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram.

These combined difficulties are reportedly diverting potential tourists to alternative destinations like Thailand, despite the unique appeal of the Andaman Islands. Currently, the islands are believed to be attracting only 60 to 65 percent of their sustainable tourism capacity.

The Challenge of High Airfares

A significant contributor to the elevated airfares is the cost of a one-way economy ticket from Kolkata to Sri Vijaya Puram, which frequently hovers around Rs 8,000. This is remarkably comparable to, and sometimes even higher than, flights from Kolkata to Bangkok, which can be found for as little as Rs 9,000 to Rs 9,500. Furthermore, Thailand's visa-on-arrival policy adds an extra layer of convenience, making it a more straightforward choice for many international travelers.

Airline operators attribute these high prices, in part, to the unpredictable weather conditions prevalent at Sri Vijaya Puram. Rapid weather changes can often necessitate flights being diverted back to the mainland for safety reasons. This inherent uncertainty compels airlines to maintain higher ticket prices to offset potential operational losses and disruptions.

The Shelved Runway Project

A critical infrastructural gap exists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: the absence of an alternative airport capable of handling commercial flights if Veer Savarkar Airport faces operational issues. The current 4,500-foot runway at INS Baaz is insufficient for common commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, which are typically used for mainland routes.

For over a decade, local authorities have advocated for the extension of the Campbell Bay runway and the development of basic civilian facilities. The rationale was simple: enhanced air infrastructure would not only stimulate tourism but also significantly improve inter-island connectivity, benefiting residents and visitors alike.

However, the Central Government has ultimately opted against extending the runway. The primary justifications cited for this decision revolve around environmental concerns and the welfare of tribal communities. This leaves the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a precarious position, attempting to foster tourism growth while confronting substantial hurdles in air connectivity.

Source

Shelved INS Baaz Runway Plan Raises Fresh Concerns Over Andaman Tourism and High Airfares