Madurai Chamber President Appeals for Direct International Flights Under BASA
In a significant move to boost regional connectivity, S Rethinavelu, the founder and president of the Agri and All Trader Chamber, has formally appealed to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. The appeal specifically requests the inclusion of Madurai airport as a designated point of call under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA). This strategic inclusion is targeted towards key international destinations including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Dubai, Sharjah, Oman, and Kuwait.
Enhancing Air Connectivity for Trade and Tourism
Rethinavelu emphasized that enabling airlines from these countries to operate direct international flights to Madurai would catalyze substantial economic growth. The representation highlights that the previous upgradation of Madurai airport to international status has already accelerated trade, industry, and exports across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Madurai and its surrounding regions are recognized as a vital hub for food processing industries, a central area for cultivating vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and a base for manufacturing activities such as automobile parts and medical equipment.
Direct air connectivity is seen as a crucial enabler for reaching global market destinations more efficiently.
Push for ASEAN Tourism City Status
In addition to the BASA appeal, Rethinavelu has sought to include Madurai as one of the tourism cities recommended to the ASEAN single aviation market (ASAM). This initiative aligns with the broader goal of positioning Madurai as a prominent destination on the international tourism map. The chamber president underscored that enhanced air links would provide a strong impetus to medical tourism, especially with the upcoming AIIMS Madurai significantly strengthening the city's healthcare infrastructure.
The establishment of AIIMS Madurai is expected to attract patients from across the globe, further necessitating robust international flight operations.
Economic and Healthcare Benefits
The representation outlines multiple benefits of improved air connectivity:
- Accelerated growth in trade, industry, and exports from southern Tamil Nadu.
- Enhanced opportunities for local industries to access international markets.
- Boost to medical tourism due to advanced healthcare facilities like AIIMS Madurai.
- Increased tourism revenue by integrating Madurai into the ASEAN tourism network.
Rethinavelu concluded that these measures would not only foster economic development but also elevate Madurai's global profile, making it a key node in international aviation and tourism networks.
