Sri Vijaya Puram, June 1: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has welcomed the recent announcement by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) regarding substantial incentives to promote international scheduled operations from Sri Vijaya Puram Airport.
Under the new incentive scheme, AAI will completely waive the User Development Fee (UDF) for the first year, followed by 85% concession in the second year and 65% in the third year. This is expected to save approximately INR 1.5 lakh per international flight, creating a highly favorable ecosystem for international carriers to consider Sri Vijaya Puram as a viable destination.
Shri M. Vinod, President of AATO, extended heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, the Chief Secretary, the Secretary of Civil Aviation, the Director of Civil Aviation, and the Airport Director of Sri Vijaya Puram Airport for their tireless and coordinated efforts to improve international air connectivity.
He also acknowledged the support of Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), for his encouragement and positive outlook toward strengthening the aviation sector in the islands.
President Vinod highlighted that a delegation from AATO had recently met both the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and the CINCAN, advocating for concrete incentives to encourage international airlines. Vinod also mentioned that these new incentives, along with the Ministry of Defence’s in-principle approval for waiver of landing charges and the continued VAT exemption on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), together form a comprehensive support system that enhances the viability of international operations to the islands.
AATO believes that this move will open new doors for travel, tourism, trade, and investment, further integrating the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with the global tourism and economic landscape.