+
AAI Offers Incentives to Boost Overseas Flights
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

AAI Offers Incentives to Boost Overseas Flights

To strengthen international air connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced a major incentive scheme across 13 airports, including Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The scheme aims to bridge the viability gap for airlines during their initial three years of operation—often the most financially challenging phase.

According to Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav, the scheme includes a 100 per cent waiver on User Development Fees (UDF)—currently Rs 709 per departing passenger—for the first year. This will reduce to 85 per cent in the second year and 65 per cent in the third. Based on a standard aircraft load of 180 passengers, the savings could reach Rs 12.8 million per flight, offering significant support to carriers.

Designated an international airport in April 2007, Port Blair saw its first scheduled international flight by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur on 16 November 2024. However, services were discontinued on 10 April 2025 due to low passenger turnout, making operations unviable.

“The incentive scheme is a timely intervention and will significantly boost tourism in the Andaman archipelago,” said Yadav. He confirmed that Veer Savarkar Airport received the highest incentive package among the 13 airports listed.

“We have learnt valuable lessons from the earlier AirAsia operations. With this support and improved preparedness, we are now ready for sustainable international services and even planning for cargo operations,” he added. He also thanked the Union Territory administration for supporting the initiative and helping achieve this breakthrough.

To strengthen international air connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced a major incentive scheme across 13 airports, including Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The scheme aims to bridge the viability gap for airlines during their initial three years of operation—often the most financially challenging phase.According to Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav, the scheme includes a 100 per cent waiver on User Development Fees (UDF)—currently Rs 709 per departing passenger—for the first year. This will reduce to 85 per cent in the second year and 65 per cent in the third. Based on a standard aircraft load of 180 passengers, the savings could reach Rs 12.8 million per flight, offering significant support to carriers.Designated an international airport in April 2007, Port Blair saw its first scheduled international flight by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur on 16 November 2024. However, services were discontinued on 10 April 2025 due to low passenger turnout, making operations unviable.“The incentive scheme is a timely intervention and will significantly boost tourism in the Andaman archipelago,” said Yadav. He confirmed that Veer Savarkar Airport received the highest incentive package among the 13 airports listed.“We have learnt valuable lessons from the earlier AirAsia operations. With this support and improved preparedness, we are now ready for sustainable international services and even planning for cargo operations,” he added. He also thanked the Union Territory administration for supporting the initiative and helping achieve this breakthrough.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Naidu Seeks Rs 563 Crore For AP Sports Infrastructure

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought Rs 563 crore from the Centre to boost sports infrastructure in the state, including Rs 538 crore for stadium development and Rs 25 crore to host the Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025. Naidu made the request during a meeting with Union Youth Services and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Wednesday.The CM urged early completion of Khelo India infrastructure projects in Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and Narasaraopeta, and called for an international-standard badminton training centre and a national aquatic sports hu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tough Bidding Norms Slow NHAI Road Project Awards

Stringent bidding rules imposed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) have led to a slowdown in project awards by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), despite a robust Rs 3.5 trillion pipeline. According to an HDFC Securities report, the shift to more cautious developer models now favours firms with strong balance sheets, as tighter qualification norms limit aggressive bidders.The revised norms mandate additional performance security, targeting the exclusion of players that previously submitted low bids—often 25 to 40 per cent below NHAI cost estimates—raisin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai Gets Coastal Nod for Next Promenade Phase

As Mumbai prepares to open two major sections of its expansive seafront promenade this week, the city’s civic authority has secured a key coastal clearance to advance further construction. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the commencement of work on the segment between Haji Ali and Baroda Palace, with tendering expected soon after project cost assessments.The promenade, stretching 7.5 km in length and 20 metres wide, is being designed as a flagship open space for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Two critical stretches—2.75 km from Tata Garden to Haji Al..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?