Port Blair, April 10: The Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to declare the Car Nicobar Defence Airfield as an alternative airport to the Port Blair Airport.

“Alternate Airports” are airports that are marked along an aircraft's flight plan that can safely accommodate the landing of the aircraft should the aircraft experience an emergency or if the landing at the intended airport becomes inadvisable.

In his letter he mentioned that this would greatly benefit the residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as well as tourists visiting the region.

According to the Member of Parliament, currently the only alternative airport to Port Blair is located in foreign countries, which greatly increases the cost of airfare for those travelling to and from the Islands. This makes it difficult for many residents to afford to travel and also makes the Islands less accessible to tourists.

He pointed out that the Car Nicobar Defence Airfield, however, is located much closer to the islands and has the necessary infrastructure to support commercial flights. By making this airfield an alternative airport, the cost of airfare would significantly decrease, making it more affordable for residents to travel and for tourists to visit the Islands.

He added that he strongly believes that this change would greatly benefit the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and would also make these Islands more accessible to Tourists, which will in-turn help Andaman’s Tourism Industry as well as local economy.