Direct flight from Vizag to Thailand to strengthen trade ties with Japan, Hong Kong

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Aug 30, 2013: Vizagites are hopeful that introduction of direct flight from the city to Bangkok would not only improve tourism and business with Thailand but also, open up trade and strengthen ties with Japan and Hong Kong.  After Dubai and Singapore Vizag is expected to be connected with another international destination, Thailand, very soon.

The high commissioner of Thailand Pisan Manawat along with his team and also the top decision makers of Thai Smile airways will be visited Vizag on Friday. The delegation will be in the city on Saturday also.

The team will conduct feasibility test to introduce direct flight to Thailand. Though the team was supposed to visit Vizag in July, it was postponed due to panchayat polls and various other reasons.

During the interactions by the representatives of Vizag Development Council (VDC) with about 20 leading travel agents operating in the region it was found that there is demand for everyday flight to Thailand on all 7 days of the week based on the business they are doing. 

Currently people from this region are going from Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata to Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. Distance from Hyderabad to Bangkok is 2400 km, from Chennai it is 2254 km, whereas from Vizag to Bangkok the distance is only 1905 km, which will save lot of time and money to the travelers in this region.

At present Pharma exporters and traders in and around Vizag are sending goods via Hyderabad or Singapore.  While Vizag to Hyderabad is 500 km and Hyderabad to Japan is 6180 km, which is a total of 6680 km.  Vizag to Singapore is 2888 km and Singapore to Japan is 5208 km, which is a total of 8096 km. Where as, Vizag to Bangkok is 1905 km and Bangkok to Japan is 4507 km, which is a total of 6412 km.

“With this we are very much pleased to convey that Pharma exporters and traders will benefit a lot due to this nearest option of connectivity. On the other hand traders and travelers of Hong Kong travel to either Hyderabad or Singapore for Hong Kong connectivity.  Vizag to Hyderabad is 500 km and Hyderabad to Hong Kong is 3729 km, which is a total of 4229 km. Vizag to Singapore is 2888 km and Singapore to Hong Kong is 1422 km, which is a total of 4310 km. Where as Vizag to Bangkok is 1905 km and Bangkok to Hong Kong is 1704 km, which is a Total of 3609. Vizag- Hongkong will be only 3609 km if Vizag and Thailand are connected directly via Air,” said VDC, vice president, O Naresh Kumar.

VDC representatives are also in discussions with Air Arabia and Sri Lankan Airways to introduce their flight services to Vizag. However 24/7 operations of the airport on only three days a week by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) had dampened the spirits.  

“We also request the Navy to immediately open the Airport 24/7 on all days as there are many new players coming in and even domestic players  are wanting to operate late night. Indigo has already given written request to the Airport director and permission is awaited. We need to be ready and open. We expect more trade and exports from Vizag once airport is open 24 hrs all days and cargo terminal is operational.
Airport director informed us that work is in full progress and we can expect good news on dedicated cargo handling soon, positively this yearend,” said VDC president, P Vishnukumar Raju.