Sri Vijaya Puram, May 8: A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its President Shri M. Vinod met Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN), at the Headquarters in Port Blair.
The meeting was held as a courtesy call to thank the outgoing CINCAN for his distinguished service and for the continued support extended by the Armed Forces in maintaining security and stability in the region—critical enablers for a thriving tourism industry.
During the interaction, the AATO delegation discussed key issues related to inter-island connectivity, especially the role of ANC in enhancing air connectivity to remote islands. Topics included the current status of the Diglipur runway, the possibility of operating Dornier aircraft for civilian and tourist movement, and broader feasibility for expanding regional air services with the support of the Command.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan was appreciative of the tourism sector’s growing contribution to the local economy and assured the delegation that suggestions made would be considered within the operational framework of the Command.
The delegation included Shri K. Hamza (General Secretary) and Shri Saikat Biswas (Joint Secretary), who also conveyed AATO’s continued support and willingness to collaborate with the Administration and ANC in promoting safe, sustainable, and accessible tourism across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.