Manohar Parrikar urged to operate IAF flights for civilians in Andaman

PORT BLAIR: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been urged to operate IAF flights to carry civilian passengers in remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The request was made to Parrikar by Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicober Islands Lt Gen (retd) A K Singh on Thursday, Raj Niwas officials said.

Singh had said that since the helicopter service between Great Nicobar island to Port Blair was inadequate, the Ministry of Defence had earlier conveyed approval to provide regular services of IAF Dornier aircraft between Port Blair and Campbell Bay twice a week for transporting civilians.

But due to shortage of aircraft, the Andaman and Nicobar Command has expressed its inability to commence the service immediately. The Lt Governor requested the intervention of the defence minister on this issue.

Among other issues discussed, the Lt Governor has sought the intervention of the defence minister in construction of Civil Air Terminal at the Car Nicobar IAF airfield, they said.